The Waihirere haka team took first place in the Tairāwhiti regional competition held on Te Poho o Rāwiri marae in Gisborne at the weekend.
Second place went to Whangarā mai Tāwhiti followed by Tū Te Manawa Maurea, and Te Hokowhitu ā Tū.
All four teams will represent Gisborne-East Coast at the national Matatini competition in Rotorua next year.
A leader of Te Waihirere team Willie Te Aho says performing in the annual regional festival was the main priority, so securing a spot at Te Matatini is a bonus.
He says the competition was held alongside Tamararo, an annual rohe competition, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Mr Te Aho says the event is a part of Tairāwhiti's heritage and identity and could be likened to the Māori King's Coronation or the Rātana celebrations.
