Hundreds of kapa students are expected to attend the first national forum on Maori performing arts, taking place in Rotorua on Monday.
The one-day symposium Nga Mana Whakairo - Celebrating Haka Excellence - has been organised by Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangiand Te Matatini Society, the national body for Maori performing arts.
Some of the country's leading performing arts experts will speak and present a series of workshops and panel sessions, including Te Matatini chair Herewini Parata and songstress and kapa haka exponent Maisey Rika.
Awanuiarangi says the symposium is an opportunity to share where Maori are up to with efforts to sustain living culture.
A black tie dinner will be held to finish the forum, at which local artists and students will provide entertainment.
