Ngā Maihi has been crowned the supreme winners of the 2019 Ngāti Awa Te Toki Kapa Haka festival held over the weekend.
The Te Teko sub-tribe took to the stage on Sunday to successfully defend the supreme title they earned during the 2017 festival.
Another Te Teko sub-tribe, Ngāti Hāmua took out second, while Whakatane’s Ngai Taiwhakaea gained third place.
A spokesperson for Ngā Maihi said celebrations were underway.
“We will have a powhiri to welcome the group back on to the Marae with the trophies followed by a celebratory hakari for all our whanau.”
18 subtribe of Ngati Awa took to the stage in the Tamariki, Whakangahau and Whakataetae sections.
Over 2,000 people attended the two-day festival held at Rugby Park in Whakatane.
Ngāti Awa Te Toki Kapa Haka Festival Results:
1st – Ngā Maihi
2nd – Ngāti Hāmua
3rd – Ngai Taiwhakaea