Rugby, haka and hangi celebrated in Bay towns

Wairoa and Dannevirke will show their true colours today and tomorrow when they host the final two instalments in a series of five rugby, haka and hangi festivals.

The festivals, organised by Ngati Kahungunu Iwi, have already been to Carterton, Clive and Te Aute College. The themed events were created with the aim of bringing international, national and local people together to celebrate rugby at every level.

"The iwi gave me a brief to find out how people can be engaged during the Rugby World Cup," the promotions and events manager for Ngati Kahungunu, Te Rangi Huata, said.

"We were told the best thing we can do is provide true Kahungunu hospitality to visitors in the region. One of the other key reasons for the rugby, haka and hangi tournaments is the development of Maori in rugby at every level."

Two days of festival celebrations start tonight with a charity auction and Samoan performance, followed by a Dannevirke Sports Club screening of the Samoa-South Africa game at 8.30.

A busy day of activities will take place tomorrow from 7.30am at Dannevirke A&P; Showgrounds.

"Kahungunu are very active and [organiser] Hayden Hape has put a lot of energy into making sure it really works and has been very involved with the community," Tararua District Council Communications and Marketing manager Lianne Simpkin said.

Haka and hangi workshops, kite and shearing exhibitions and man v tractor heats fill most of the morning, with a hangi at noon.

After lunch there will be a dog trial exhibition, tractor-push events and the all-important Tararua v the World rugby match, followed by the national anthem and a haka.

A remote plane show, NZ marching team, kids' dance-off, traditional rugby aftermatch and other late-night entertainment round out the festival.

Wairoa will celebrate tomorrow from 9am to 4.30pm, at Tupae Sports Ground.

"The idea is to have a rugby festival in a grass roots community," events co-ordinator Benita Carins said. "We've organised rugby matches against our local club teams suitable for all skill levels. There's workshops for those new to the game and tips to improve knowledge, ability and rugby skills. We'll even lend gear to anyone keen to suit up."

Midgets and junior rugby will be on in the morning, alongside workshops. The Wakely Shield Team will take on visitors from around the world and the Hawke's Bay Magpies will carry out a skills and drills session followed by a Wairoa Ross Shield capping ceremony about midday.

A flash mob haka will take place before the Saracens v Wairoa All Stars game and a hangi will be on from 2.30pm, before Kuki Green Clash North play South Karakia Whakamutunga.

People can learn how to perform a haka, share in tribal Maori culture at the Takitimu meeting house and prepare a traditional hangi for a celebratory dinner in the evening featuring entertainment by Maori troupe, Te Rerenga Kotuku.

While not directly linked to the festival, an exhibition detailing the highlights of George Nepia's early life and All Blacks career is on at Wairoa Museum from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm weekdays.