The biggest Maori performing arts competition in the world, Te Matatini, has dumped its traditional process to chose a host, and decided to give every region a go.
Te Matatini Society executive director Darrin Apanui. Photo: RNZ
It announced on Tuesday that each of the 12 regions has been allocated a year to hold the biennial national championship, through to 2039.
The last competition, held in Rotorua in February, attracted tens of thousands of people over the four-day event.
Te Matatini Society executive director Darrin Apanui says rohe, or areas, asked for a review of the former bidding process, where two would go head to head for the hosting rights.
He says while the bidding process created a buzz of excitement, it was very costly and was a "mana losing process" for the unsuccessful bidder.
Mr Apanui says every region ultimately agreed to the new structure, which will give them more time to plan for their event.
He says the next national competition will be hosted by Waitaha in Christchurch in 2015.
Te Matatini Society chair Selwyn Parata says the new system will start in 2017.
