Passion and school pride will be on full display at the Te Arawa Secondary Schools Regional Kapa Haka Competition.
Ten roopu (groups) will perform at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Friday to vie for a top-four position to represent the iwi at the national competition next year.
Organising committee member Wairangi Jones said there was always a high standard of performance at the event.
"From my experience, the calibre is incredible, just incredible and obviously they come from a strong performing background having performed to tourists. Te Arawa is really sharp, from kids this age, mokopuna and koeke can all get up and perform."
Mr Jones, who is also a teacher at Rotorua Boys' High School, said this year his school and Rotorua Girls' High School would enter separate groups as well as the combined group, Raukura.