The stage is set for the defending champions to retain their title as the nine finalists of the Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival were announced this evening.
After three days of intense competition the reigning champions Te Kapa Haka o Te Whanau-a-Apanui from Eastern Bay of Plenty and five time champions Waihirere from Gisborne were two of the nine through to the final.
The others taking to the stage include Nga Tumanako, Te Matarae I Orehu, Te Waka Huia, Tauira Mai Tawhiti, Te Kapa Haka o Whangara Mai Tawhiti, Te Iti Kahurangi and Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao
The festival which started on Thursday saw 47 teams from across the country compete, drawing huge crowds to the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park, which was renamed Kahungunu Park for the competition.
The finals kick off tomorrow morning at 8:40am with the day wrapping up at about 4:30pm.
