The Maori Catholic community is coming together in Whanganui for a long weekend of kapa haka and choir competitions.
Thousands of people are heading to the annual Hui Aranga event, this year marking its 70th anniversary.
Each year a number of Catholic clubs compete in kapa haka, choir singing, speech and sports competitions.
They also take part in daily religious services.
The four-day event starts today and is being held at Whanganui Girls College.