A Whangarei kapa haka tutor says last week's Te Matatini was "second to none" but he is not upset about waiting 12 years before Northland hosts the competition.
The festival, which opened with a powhiri on Wednesday followed by four-days of performances, saw 47 of the best kapa haka groups and thousands of spectators from across the country descend on the Hawke's Bay Sports Park in Hastings.
Three Northland roopu, Muriwhenua; Te Puu Ao and Hatea, competed at the biennial festival last week.
Joby Hopa, chairman of the Waitangi Cultural Committee and Hatea Kapa Haka tutor, said the competition was "second to none".
"It was a really good atmosphere. Ngati Kahungunu were amazing hosts. They made sure we were looked after. Every group got kai from fruit to corn, chicken, mutton and even ice cream, I couldn't fault them," he said.