Te Matatini - the world's biggest kapa haka competition - turns 50 on Friday.
Ngāti Rangiwewehi Photo: YouTube
It all started in 1972 with the 17 kapa haka performing at the inaugural festival in Rotorua representing the eight Maori Council districts.
The festival has since grown into one of the largest cultural festivals in the world and is arguably the most anticipated event on the Maori calendar.
RNZ's Mani Dunlop looks back.
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