“Second is the focus on qualifying for Te Matatini. That aspect does bring a lot of excitement and we’re expecting the competition to be really strong this year.
“Because we have 17 teams competing, at this stage, it looks like five teams will qualify for Te Matatini.
“We’d like to acknowledge the huge amount of time, work and effort that the groups put in.
“Many of them have been in wananga since December. We want to give them every opportunity to represent Tairawhiti well.”
Mr Tangohau said Tamararo continues to grow each year and the organisers were making extra efforts to accommodate this.
“We are expecting thousands of people to attend, which is why we have erected a huge marquee outside with a big screen to cater to those who cannot fit in the indoor venue.
“There is also an increase in the number of stall vendors, especially of those from out of town. We have the likes of the University of Canterbury attending, and health stalls including the cervical cancer awareness ‘Smear your Mea’ campaign.
“This year’s event will be a ‘wai only’ event, which means there will be no sugar drinks for sale. The initiative came from Hauiti Hauora and when they put the idea before us, we had no hesitation in supporting that kaupapa. The only exception will be a cuppa tea stall for kaumatua.
“There will also be no eftpos on site, so we urge people to bring cash for food and merchandise purchases.
“It’s all building up for a great day.”
For those who will not be attending Tamararo (which starts at 8.30am tomorrow), the event will be livestreamed via Maori Television on www.maoritelevision.com
