Every two years, hundreds of polished performers and thousands of very vocal supporters flock to Te Matatini - New Zealand’s national Māori performing arts competition.

The festival was named Te Matatini by highly regarded Māori academic Professor Wharehuia Milroy and literally means ‘the many faces’.

‘Māori performing arts bring together people of all ages, all backgrounds, all beliefs, Māori and non Māori alike, participants and observers. When I look at those performing I see many faces, young and old - Te Matatini’ explains Professor Milroy.