Ngai Tuhoe reconnect with their past

It's one of the largest Maori cultural festivals in New Zealand and a group of Rotorua residents are heading to the hills this weekend to reconnect with their past.
Te Hui Ahurei a Tuhoe 2011 is a massive cultural festival celebrating all things Maori, and in particular Ngai Tuhoe - the Children of the Mist.
Held every two years in Ruatoki, the festival began with a powhiri at Te Rewarewa Marae in Ruatoki today.
About 200 Ngai Tuhoe people from Rotorua are heading to the five-day festival which features kapa haka, live music, wild food, sports, a battle of the bands, debates, and the coming together of the Ngai Tuhoe nation.
This year, Te Hui Ahurei a Tuhoe celebrates its 40th anniversary. It was first held in 1971.
Yesterday, a powhiri was held at Rotorua's Mataatua Marae to farewell the group, called Mataatua ki Rotorua, who are heading in to Te Urewera for the festival.
Spokesman Whitiaua Ropitini said the group was going to reconnect with its roots and the land belonging to the tribe.
"Ahurei has been part of my life since I can remember. It's a chance to celebrate with Tuhoe from all over New Zealand and overseas, it's like a big family reunion."
Mr Ropitini said two groups were heading to Ruatoki from Sydney and Perth.
He said Mataatua ki Rotorua would be sending four teams to represent them: a kaumatua team, a senior team, a junior/intermediate team and a kohanga reo team.
"We also have a contingent of Ngati Pikiao coming over to honour Putu Mihaka who recently passed away."
For more information about Te Hui Ahurei a Tuhoe 2011 visit www.ngaituhoe.iwi.nz.