Te Rōpū Manutaki on stage at Te Matatini. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
Day one of competition at Te Matatini is well underway with performances from 14 groups in the first pool of the preliminary performances.
The excitement was evident, with morning traffic jams caused by hundreds of spectators arriving early, some lining up two hours before the gates opened for the "Olympics of Kapa Haka" at Pukekura/ Bowl of Brooklands.
Always a hard spot to be in, the first group opening the festival were Auckland stalwarts Te Rōpū Manutaki.
01. Te Rōpū Manutaki performing. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
They set a high bar for groups to followed and during their performance paid tribute to the late Māori king, Kiingi Tuheitia
Bay of Plenty rōpū Ōpotiki Mai Tawhiti gave an emotional performance - mourning the loss of many of their past members - including former leader Ricky Mitai.
Bay of Plenty rōpū Ōpotiki Mai Tawhiti performing. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
On Tuesday afternoon, defending champions Te Whānau a Apanui and Tainui favourites Te Pou o Mangatāwhiri take to the stage.
Even though the main reason people come to the festival is for haka, there was also a marketplace with 140 stalls.
Te kura nui o paerangi. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
Cazna Luke, Kia Ora Hauora Chief Executive is a stallholder and was focused on recruiting Māori into the primary health sector.
He said you could feel the wairua.
"It's really intangable, you can just feel it and it uplifts you," Luke said.
Hikurangi. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
"I am the biggest sook, the waiata goes into my ears and then come out my eyes."
Of the 14 groups performing on Tuesday, only three will qualify for the finals.
Hikurangi. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
Hikurangi. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
Te Uri o Manumanu. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
Hātea Kapa Haka. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
Hātea Kapa Haka. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
Te Rerenga Kōtuku. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
Te Rerenga Kōtuku. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
Te Ahikaaroa. Photo: Te Matatini Enterprises / SUPPLIED
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