After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, about 500 kapa haka performers took to the stage for the first time.
And despite the competition being non-competitive, the sold-out event drew thousands of kapa haka goers to the Spark Arena.
On Saturday performers were finally on stage, expressing themselves through waiata and haka. The Tāmaki HAKAngahau event showcased nine Auckland groups.
Te Waka Huia spokesperson Annette Wehi told Newshub it's awesome to return after COVID lockdowns forced the cancellation of the event since 2020.
"Te Waka Huia is 41 years old this year and we've got some of our founding members here, we've got their children and we've got some mokopuna that performed with us today. So you know that's really touching, especially after the last couple of years."
The effects of the longer lockdowns in Auckland have meant some groups only just came back together this week, with performances reflecting those times, and the yearning to reunite and perform together once again.
"To have kapa haka back, to have our whanau here to watch and enjoy the performances to share these memories and this artform together was amazing," said Angitu spokesperson Pere Wihongi.
And a time to reunite for spectators too, with around 7000 soaking up the entertainment and traditional kai.
Backstage with Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Matatini champs, the group Ngā Tūmanako, the non-competitive nature of the event means anyone can be involved.
"Today is a momentous occasion. We're lucky enough that we perform with our kids," said Ngā Tūmanako group leader Kawariki Morgan.
Morgan told Newshub it's a milestone for the group which is almost 20 years old.
"We've got 100 people in our group, our kids, our aunties. This is an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life as well as all our kaihaka. So we're really excited."
The final region out of 12 across the country and one in Australia to take the stage, before the national competition, Te Matatini, set to take place in February.
