Performers at this year's Aotea Region kapa haka competition will be on a huge outdoor stage with the Rātana temple as a backdrop.
It's the first time Rātana has hosted the contest, and the Te Reanga Mōrehu o Rātana Trust is planning something special for the Rātana movement's centenary year, chairman Kamaka Manuel said.
"One of the visions of our hosting committee was to provide a kapa haka environment modelled on Te Matatini [the biennial national cultural festival]."
The competition at the pa will probably take all day on February 24. As well as the big outdoor stage there will be food and information stalls, and 80 volunteers to run the show.
"We were thinking this would be something that's whanau-based and allow people to come to the pa and enjoy the surroundings," Mr Manuel said.