The eyes of the past, present and future will be on Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao as they take on the national kapa haka competition.
The group has a long and proud legacy in the performing art that spans more than 100 years, and is based at Whakarewarewa Village.
It is one of five teams representing Te Arawa at the national kapa haka competition, Te Matatini, in Gisborne.
Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao is made up almost exclusively of professional performers, but according to tutor Michael Rurehe, performing at the nationals is very different to performing in front of tourists.
"For us it's about upholding our legacy. We are there to show the best of the best ... and you are performing with family," he said.
Kaitataki wahine (female leader) Laurelle Tamati said it was different being judged by a group of her peers.
"When you perform at Matatini it's before the whole nation. They know what they are looking for in a good performance," she said.
Other groups representing Te Arawa at Matatini are Manaia, Te Mataarae i o Rehu, Nga Uri o Te Whanoa and Ngati Rangiwewehi.
With four of the five Te Arawa groups performing on the last day of competition, tutor Tuhoe Huata said it would be like the entire region was performing together.
"It's a good thing. The dynamic we have is we will support our iwi, we hope they'll do the same for us.
"Our old people have set the standard, now it's up to us to maintain that legacy."
Mr Huata said the group was very proud of its unique history as many of the groups' ancestors were performing haka and guiding tourists in Rotorua more than 100 years ago.
"Knowing this drives us on. We are very fortunate to have a strong performing arts background."
He said the group trained hard but smart.
"It's a lifestyle for most of our performers.
"Our reward is having our old people come to our practices, watching us, critiquing us and sharing their experiences."
Kaitataki tane (male lead) Daniel Heretaunga said he was not nervous about heading to Gisborne.
"I can't wait, it's my first time leading at the nationals. I'm not nervous because I know I have the support of the whole group backing me up, that's where I get my confidence."
- Te Matatini, the national kapa haka championships, are being held in Gisborne between February 17 and 20.
