Mataatua kapa haka teams to battle it out | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Omaio will host 17 teams at the Mataatua Regional Kapa Haka Competition on Saturday.

The teams from Tauranga Moana, Ngati Awa, Whakatohea, Tuhoe, Ngai Tai and Te Whanau a Apanui will compete to attend the national championships Te Matatini, in Rotorua next year.

Organising committee chairman Max Kemara said there were no clear favourites and some iwi had more than one team.

"It's going to be real competitive ... there's not one that stands out from the crowd," he said.

"Everyone wants to attend Matatini. The momentum is building, there have been many months of preparation."

Mr Kemara said the support for hosts Te Whanau a Apanui had been "fantastic" and sponsorship from the community had been overwhelming. About 250 people had volunteered to help.

The Maori King, Tuheitia, will be attending and Mr Kemara said organisers expected 5000 people to crowd the small seaside town of Omaio to watch the festivities.

Groups competing (in order of appearance): Evergreens, Korosins, Ngai Tai, Toka Tu Moana, Te Aranga, Tutara Kauika 1, Ngati Awa ki Rangitaiki, Te Whaiti nui a Toi, Te Karu, Tutawake, Te Tawharau, Te Manuka Tu Tahi, Tauira Mai Tawhiti, Opotiki Mai Tawhiti, Tutara Kauika 2, Te Whanau a Apanui, Taiwhakaea, Ruatahuna.

Eftpos facilities will not be available on the day. Performances start 8.30am. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 children and kaumatua (over 65), free for under 5s, corporate passes $150.