Hundreds went to Rātana Pā on Saturday to watch nine groups compete in the Aotea region kapa haka competition.
The winners were the Rātana group, Te Reanga Mōrehu o Ratana, with Whanganui's Te Matapihi coming second. Taranaki group Ngā Purapua o Te Tai Hauāuru will join them at the national competition, Te Matatini, in Wellington next year.
Taranaki ki te Tonga were the winners in the taikura section.
An area at the pā near Whanganui was fenced off, and tiered seating, an elevated area for filming and a large stage were erected. Kaumatua had their own tent, with chairs, while younger people spread out blankets on the grass.
It was the first time Rātana has hosted the regional competition, and organiser Kamaka Manuel wanted it to be special because this year is also the movement's centennial.
