The longest serving Te Matatini performer wowed the crowd this afternoon as Waihirere took to the stage.
Louise Kingi has been in every single festival since it began in 1972 and one former group member described her as the rock.
Lolo Brown who was beside Ms Kingi until 2005 was blown away by the groups performance and Ms Kingi this afternoon.
"She just gave her all and represented the group with dignity, pride and passion. The performance today was just a true representation of who we are and what we believe in."
Since Ms Brown entered the group in 1986 she said Ms Kingi acted as her mentor and role model giving her confidence and knowledge.