Te Mataarae make Te Matatini final

Te Mataarae i Orehu will defend their national kapa haka title for 2013.

In a shock result Te Mataarae were the only Te Arawa group of six to make the top nine to compete in the finals of Te Matatini Kapa Haka Festival.

Up to 15,000 spectators packed the Rotorua International stadium for the final pool round today. The nine groups are Opotiki Mai Tawhiti, Te Whanau a Apanui, Waiherere, Te Iti Kahurangi, Whangara Mai Tawhiti, Wakahuia, Te Mataarae i Orehu, Te Pou O Mangataawhiri and Tu Te Manawa Maurea.

It's been an intense challenge these last three days with all 41 groups giving their best in the sweltering heat.

The top nine will begin their performances tomorrow morning, with Wakahuia the first group to perform at 8.45am. Te Matarae are the second group up and are scheduled to perform at 9.22am. Tickets for the final day are limited but organisers said they will go on sale at the gate from 7am.

All nine groups are competing for the Duncan McIntyre Trophy for overall best group. The entire final day will be shown live on Maori Television.

Day Four Sunday;

Wakahuia 8.45am to 9.15am

Te Mataarae i Orehu 9.22am to 9.52am

Waihirere 9.59am to 10.29am

Tu Te Manawa Maurea 10.44am to 11.14am

Te Whanau a Apanui 11.21am to 11.51am

Opotiki Mai Tawhiti 11.58am to 12.28pm

Te Pou o Mangatawhiri 1.08pm to 1.38pm

Whangara Mai Tawhiti 1.45pm to 2.15pm

Te iti Kahurangi 2.22pm to 2.55pm