The thunder of hooves - and kapa haka

Men on horseback thundered out to open the national kapa haka competition at Gisborne's Waiohika Estate yesterday. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Tairawhiti Maori opened the national kapa haka competition in formidable style yesterday.

Over the next four days 42 teams made up of 2000 performers from as far away as Perth will vie to be called Te Matatini champions.

But yesterday teams from the Eastcoast and Gisborne warned that taking home that honour wouldn't be easy.

Men on horseback thundered out to open the formalities at Waiohika Estate - which set the tone for an electrifying haka powhiri.

One of the moments that made the day special was led by Wi Wehi who appeared at the apex of the ope taua [warriors] who laid the challenge for visitors.

Dignitaries included King Tuehitia and Maori affairs minister Dr Pita Sharples.

Mr Wehi's mother Pimia, known as Nen, passed away just weeks ago - with her husband Ngapo she was one of the premier influences in kapa haka over the last 30 years.

From the region, she co-helmed Te Waka Huia the most successful group in the competition's history and who are returning to defend their 2009 title.

Earlier in the day the group, made a pointed stop at Mrs Wehi's grave to sing for her, a poignant moment members said.

Tihema Miller, 48, who is on holiday from Sydney said yesterday's preliminaries made him itchy for the stage.

His own team hadn't progressed passed the regional round and while he'd enjoy these nationals - it would also be a bit torturous.

"Today blew me away. It's frustrating, I'm already having my cry," he joked.

Ngati Porou's Api Mahuika said the equine addition to the ceremony was a new experience for him but Te Matatinti was about embracing new forms of waiata and haka and choreography.

"Everything's new and you've got to expect the unexpected with an appreciative heart and mind. I thought, "if that's how our people want to express themselves in this modern age - go for it. They did it well."

Nine teams will be selected for the finals on Sunday and some of them took the opportunity yesterday to get their first view of the ampitheatre where they'll be performing.

Dr Sharples who will be on stage with Te Ropu Manutaki today was one of them.

After a tough month dealing with the internal Maori Party crisis which arose after a formal complaint was laid against Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira, Dr Sharples said being at Te Matatini was like a shot to the soul.

"I love all this. This is it, this is my life."