Big crowd as kapa haka groups take to the stage at Tuhoe festival

The sound of kapa haka echoed across Rotorua International Stadium as day one of the city's first Tuhoe festival in 47 years began this morning.

Te Hui Ahurei a Tuhoe, which was expected to draw thousands of people to Rotorua, saw hundreds of children take to the stage for the junior kapa haka competition.

It starts a weekend of activities and competitions to celebrate the iwi based in Te Urewera.

Taiarahia member Lovey Riini, 16, said she was looking forward to performing tomorrow .

Crowds watch the junior kapa haka at Te Hui Ahurei a Tuhoe today. PHOTO/ BEN FRASER

She said the festival was a good chance to catch up with people - and the kai was a good drawcard as well.

With the temperature slowly rising over the morning, there were plenty of punters taking advantage of the ice cream and drink stalls.

Evelyn Toki was helping the junior Te Tirahou group, who had come from Auckland for the festival.

There were a few nerves as the children, aged 1 to 8, prepared to take to the stage.

"They're nervous and shy, but they are really excited," Toki said.

"They can't wait to perform."

Governance committee member Pou Temara said things were going "really, really well, extremely well" today.

"What we have seen has been pretty enjoyable.

"There is a fair crowd, it's not what you will call a big crowd, that will probably be reserved for tomorrow ."

Image 1 of 21: Te Hui Ahurei a Tuhoe - Day one. Te Tira Hou. Photo/Ben Fraser

A few morning showers had failed to put a dampener on things, with the sun making an appearance mid-morning.

Temara said the significance of the festival was that it gave Tuhoe living outside of the tribal area to "reacquaint themselves with Tuhoe culture".

About 86 per cent of Tuhoe lived outside the tribal area, he said.

"It's also a chance to cement kinship ties, which is the most significant objective."

The main drawcard of the festival is kapa haka, with junior teams competing today and senior teams on Saturday - a total of about 600 performers.

Mataatua Rangatahi. Photo/Ben Fraser

There will also be 40 junior and senior netball teams of about 300 players and 15 senior rugby teams of about 300 players.

There are also 12 golf teams, debating teams, artists exhibiting traditional and contemporary art and a battle of the bands/talent quest.

Daily tickets can be bought through Ticketmaster costing $20 for adults, $15 for children aged 5 to 14 and $10 for kaumatua. Children under 5 are free. On Sunday night tickets for the final concert are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Programme highlights
Saturday 8am-6.25pm: Nga Kapa Haka A Nga Pakeke - senior kapa haka, Rotorua International Stadium (see below for full programme)
Saturday 7.30pm: Talent quest and Battle of the Bands, Rotorua International Stadium
Sunday 8am-3.30pm: Tuhoe netball at the Rotorua Netball Courts, Malfroy Rd.
Sunday 7pm: Prizegiving, Rotorua International Stadium
Sunday 8pm-10pm: Taiohi Taiea, family show featuring Tuhoe youth aged 5 to 14, performances by Battle of the Bands winners, Harvest and Maimoa, Rotorua International Stadium

Senior kapa haka programme, Saturday, Rotorua International Stadium
8am: Mataatua
8.25am: Mataatua Hinetai
9am: Ruatoki
9.35am: Te Tahu o Haokitaha
10.10am: Tawera
10.42: Wa Whakata
11.10am: Ohinemataroa
11.45am: Oruakorau
12.20pm: Ruatahuna
12.55pm: Mataatua ki Rotorua
1.30pm Te Hono a Te Kiore
2.05pm: Tina
3pm: Ngati Haka-Patuheuheu
3.35pm: Taiarahia
4.10pm: Tuhoe ki Poneke
4.45pm: Te Tirahou
5.20pm: Waimana Kaaku
5.55pm: Tuhoe ki Kawerau
6.25pm Kua Mutu