Defending regional champions Mōtai Tangata Rau started their performance with an item referring to an historic event where beheaded warriors were placed around Taupiri Maunga.
Paraone Gloyne - Mōtai Tangata Rau says, “Our entry is about a well-known battle within Waikato involving Ngāti Mahuta and Ngāti Raukawa.”
Gloyne says while some Māori may be reluctant to see stories told in this manner, Paraone Gloyne says they need to be told.
“That's history, that's where we come from, those are our stories that's why we’ve brought a head on stage and I have no doubt there'll be some who were surprised to see a head like that on stage’” says Gloyne.
Te Haona Kaha kapahaka group who are descendants of Ngāti Apakura and Ngāti Maniapoto told stories of their Patupaiarehe.
Rākaihakeke Whauwhau - Te Haona Kaha says, "The main thing for me is our young, old and family members that live here learn about our marae and our tribe.”
The goal for Te Haona Kaha is to vie for a qualifying spot to perform at next year's Te Matatini.
"We want to go to Ngati Kahungunu has a whanau to compete at Te Matatini next year,” says Te Haona Kaha member.
Meanwhile Te Aka Tārere’s wish is to bring their people together.
Kiritahanga Muntz – Te Aka Tārere says, “It's my greatest wish to bring all the whānau of Ngāti Korokii Kahukura together that is all.”
Performances end at 7pm tonight. The winners and five teams qualifying for next year's Te Matatini competition will be announced shortly after.