The Mataatua Iwi Pig Hunting Competition will kick off a fun-packed Mataatua Iwi Challenge this weekend.
The competition starts tomorrow and continues until weigh-in on Sunday with prizes awarded for heaviest boar, average weight and best tusk.
Children will compete in a possum hunt with prizes for most possums and heaviest possum,
as well as spot prizes which will be drawn throughout the day.
Eastern Bay of Plenty iwi including Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Awa, Ngati Pukeko, Te Whakatohea, Ngati Manawa, Ngati Whare, Te Whanau a Apanui, Tauranga Moana and Ngaitai will compete in the challenge with Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau and Ngati Rangitihi also invited.
About $8000 worth of prizes are up for grabs, donated by local businesses.
Participants will gain points towards the overall Mataatua Iwi Challenge which runs for two months, until November 6.
The pig hunting competition was started last year on the suggestion of Waimana's Tom Brown who describes it as a relaxed, family-orientated day.
"It's about getting people active and participating in sports and promoting health, fitness and wellbeing."
Last year 83 people entered the competition and he expected twice as many this year.
Waihi Leabourn of the Mataatua Sports Trust said because it was the second year the pig hunting competition was running, more people knew about it and were keen to participate.
The opening ceremony for the Mataatua Iwi Challenge will be held on Sunday at Tataiahape Marae in Waimana.
Iwi points are gained for attending the opening and closing ceremonies and for success in 19 sporting events featured, including touch, rugby sevens, outdoor bowls, waka ama and wheelchair basketball.
