The Mataatua Kapa Haka Regional competition will be held over two days from April 16-17 in Ruatoki.
Yesterday, the draw was announced with 21 teams set to complete.
Haka fever is in full swing and yesterday, Mataatua kapa haka representatives gathered in Ruatoki to confirm the draw.
Turuhira Hare of Ngāi Tūhoe says, “22 teams will compete at the Mataatua Kapa Haka Regionals over two days.”
The Mataatua festival is set to take place in Ruatoki from Saturday, April 16, to Sunday, April 17.
Nine teams will perform on the first day. Twelve teams will take to the stage on the second day.
Turuhira Hare says, “Waioweka has returned. Tawera and Te Waimana will be at the regionals and that is good.Twelve teams are competing and I'm happy with that.”
Reaction around the region has been positive.Tutarakauika ki Rangataua member Awanuiarangi Black is pleased with the draw.
He says, “We're going head-to-head, weapon-to-weapon, performing the haka with passion in the hope that the right teams will be chosen.”
With 21 teams in the competition, this allows Mataatua to send six teams to Te Matatini 2017.
The draw is outlined below:
Mātaatua Regionals draw 2016
Saturday 16th April 9am - Pohiri
1. Ngāti Awa ki Rangitaiki Pakeke
2. Tutara Kauika Kahurangi
3. Toka Tū Moana
4. Te Ao Katoa
5. Te Moutere o Matakana
6. Ruatāhuna Korosins
7. Ngaiterangi Pakeke
8. Awanuiārangi
9. Evergreens
10. Waioeka-Nui-a-Kiwa
Sunday 17th April
1. Ruatāhuna Kākahu Mauku
2. Ngāi Taiwhakaaea
3. Tutara Kauika ki Rangataua
4. Te Karu
5. Te Whānau-ā-Apanui
6. Ngāti Pukeko
7. Ngāti Awa ki Rangitaiki
8. Ōpōtiki Mai Tawhiti
9. Waioweka
10. Tāwera
11. Waimana Kaaku
12. Tauira Mai Tawhiti