Rotorua team world Kapa Haka champions

Rotorua based Te Matarae i Orehu has taken the world title of Kapa Haka Champions in Gisborne today.

Te Matatini o Te Ra Festival in Gisborne saw 42 teams from Australia and New Zealand compete for the esteemed title of greatest Kapa Haka team of the world.

Te Matarae i Orehu hailing from Rotorua, the next region to host the competition, have spent the last 12 months preparing for a 25 minute action packed performance in front of a crowd of over 10,000 people for the final.

Darrin Apanui, Executive Director of the Festival says the Festival far exceeded his expectations. "The Tairawhiti Cultural Development Trust and the Gisborne community have really turned it on to host the thousands of people who have come to the region over the last week. Local businesses have extended their hours and the army of volunteers have worked tirelessly to host the crowds. Their generosity and commitment has been overwhelming."

Rotorua will be the next host region in 2013 and Mr Apanui is confident that the Festival can only grow in popularity, "we have had over 25,000 people come through the gates over the last four days. It has been amazing."