Taekwondo nationals in Tauranga over Queen's Birthday weekend

The Taekwondo community in the Bay of Plenty is waiting in anticipation as Team KO prepare to host the NZUTA national championships this weekend.

Master Kesi O'Neill's Team KO club and Tauranga host the championships at Tauranga Boys' College gym for the first time.

More than 250 athletes will be competing from more than 20 teams, including three international teams from Australia, New Caledonia and Tahiti. The level of competition is expected to be high with some of New Zealand's best fighters and three international referees attending.

Tomorrow there will be kyorugi (sparing) involving red belt and black belts as well as poomsae or patterns competitions. Sunday will involve the other coloured belts.

The New Zealand United Taekwondo Association welcomes the public to come along. Doors open at 8.30am and the action is expected to start soon after with poomsae around 9am.