Among the home crowd was the Steffert and Obers family who were attending their first festival and supporting the local Ngati Kahungunu teams.
"We just wanted to bring the family so they could watch and see who they are and what their about. It's about connecting to our roots."
Te Matatini executive director Carl Ross was thrilled with the competition so far and was looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings.
"We have experienced great crowds, great weather and some exceptional performances. Tomorrow we will be down to the top nine and these groups will leave lasting memories for people about this year's festival."
He said the festival was a place where everyone experiences whakawhanaungatanga.
"It is where we come together and reconnect with family, friends, favorite groups and the spectacle of Kapa Haka."
Ngati Kahungunu, the host iwi, was equally pleased with how the festival had gone so far.
Ngati Kahungunu event coordinator Te Rangi Huata said they had the brief to achieve the unachievable, reach the unreachable and make the impossible possible.
"We wanted to host a Te Matatini that lived in the memories of all those that attended forever. I have heard nothing but good comments so it seems to have all been very positive and we are very satisfied."
He said it was important to make the guests feel at home and provide nothing but kindness.
"It was about making the event a feast for the eyes, ears, hearts and stomachs. We have tried to achieve that in different ways and I think we have done just that."
Pool competition finishes tonight at 7.30 and the nine finalists who take to the stage tomorrow will be announced at about 8pm.
Mr Huata wished all the competitors the best for tonight and tomorrow.
"I will be over the moon if one from Ngati Kahungunu gets in, as it would be like the cherry on the cake but for whoever gets through and crowned in Hawke's Bay all I can say is congratulations."
Mr Ross also wished the groups best of luck and was excited to see what tomorrow held.