Kapa haka lovers are being offered a rare glimpse into the world of kapa haka in a new reality show featuring the reigning kapa haka champion group from Te Arawa.
Maori Television is launching Kapa Haka: Behind The Faces following the key figures in the national kapa haka champion group, Te Arawa's Te Matarae I Orehu, as they prepare to defend their title at the 2013 Te Matatini Festival to be held in Rotorua this month.
Kapa Haka: Behind The Faces will begin on March 1 at 9.30pm.
Rotorua's Velvet Stone Media producer Lara Northcroft from Rotorua said the five-part series captured all the blood, sweat and tears going into preparing for the traditional Maori performing arts competition.
"These are people who give up their weekends, who practise the poi during their coffee break at work and learn the words to the haka sitting in their car at the lights."