Te Matatini media and communications spokesperson, Wena Harawira said the mahau is a joint initiative between Te Matatini and one of its strategic partners, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.
"Twenty carvers from the institute were involved in its creation, some of whom had decades of experience and others who were new students of its wood carving school."
"The timbers that have been used for the mahau are all native wood, and include huge kauri carbon-dated at 4,500 years old," Ms Harawira said.
It is billed as the country's largest carved structure and stands at over 13 metres, spans over 30 metres and weighs about 26 tonnes.
The side carvings, known as amo, are 7 metres long and the mahi (barge boards) are 22 metres long.
The carvings that adorn the mahau represent iwi throughout the country and feature unique carving styles of various tribes.
Hawke's Bay Regional Council chairman Rex Graham said it was the biggest event ever to come to Hawke's Bay.
"It is a huge symbol of Maoridom and a huge amount of practice goes into this. We are all very aware of its importance."
"We've already sold 40,000 tickets. It is huge in terms of people, with every hotel and motel booked and every marae here filled."
The festival is supported by Hawke's Bay regional council, Hastings District Council and Napier council.
