The event is held biennially and the top three groups at regionals will go on to compete at national kapa haka competition Te Matatini which is being held at the Westpac Trust Stadium, also known as the Cake Tin, in Wellington next year.
Mr Hopa said the Northland regionals had been going for more than 30 years.
"Hatea has been going now for 18 years and our first regionals was in 2001 and we came second. We went to the nationals in 2002 and have been to every nationals since.
"It's one of the main vehicles for people to engage in Maori language and culture. Kapa haka has put it out there on a vehicle that people don't mind. It's entertaining, it's fun and it shares really good messages," he said.
Mr Hopa said the level of competition had risen over the years.
"Everyone is coming to the play. We punch well above our weight. All the groups have strong leadership and strong families that support them. All we've seen is growth," he said.
This year he is proud to be performing with his mother, his siblings and his children.
"That's what it's about ... We are together and we sing. It's uplifting and it's soothing," he said.