Members of the groups associate to all hapu within Te Wairoa and travel from as far as Hamilton, Gisborne, Napier and Hastings to participate in trainings, which are mainly held in Wairoa.
There are also members who are not directly connected to Wairoa but have whakapapa to Kahungunu and Takitimu Waka.
Being the current regional Kahungunu champions they head in to this festival with pride and passion.
Sheree cotter said their man focus was to represent Ngati Kahungunu Ki Te Wairoa and the rohe of Kahungunu the best they can since the passing of their founding tutor Elliot Spooner.
"It is the first time the team take the stage without Elliot who passed away in October 2015 so they are going out there to perform in his memory."
The loss of Elliot Spooner made preparation slightly challenging but Ms Cotter said the team have risen above this challenge and have tried to ensure they maintain the standards that Elliot demanded.
"Although it was hindered as Elliot provided all the music and choreography we have stepped up and will go out to perform for him."
Ms Cotter said the group hopes to bring Wairoataonga to the festival.
"We want to deliver a true belief in who we are and where we are form and this is portrayed in the content of the items that we will perform."
Te Rerenga Kotuku is a roopu who was established to nurture tikanga, reo and whanaungatanga utilising kapa haka as the vehicle to do so.
Ms Cotter said they provide a safe and positive environment for their tamariki and whanau.
The team are excited to perform in the festival hosted by the local iwi.
