Te Waka Huia have claimed their fifth Te Matatini Kapa Haka Festival title.
The Auckland-based team equalled Waihirere's record for most titles won by a group.
The winners were announced in the sweltering heat at the Rotorua International Stadium.
Waka Huia last won the title in Tauranga in 2009 and had to overcome a spirited top nine teams' finals which included Te Arawa group and 2012 defending champions Te Mataarae i Orehu.
Although the Rotorua group managed to win top male leader for Wetini Mitai-Ngatai as well as best haka in the aggregate round the group didn't make the top five with Te Whanau a Apanui second overall and Tu Te Manawa Maurea, Te Iti Kahurangi and Whangara Mai Tawhiti third equal overall.