Organisers of the national Maori performing arts championship, Te Matatini, say haka groups from overseas want to compete in the event.
The biennial competition is the biggest kapa haka contest in the world, with this year's event in Rotorua attracting tens of thousands of people over four days.
It showcases the most elite Maori performing arts groups in New Zealand and Australia.
Te Matatini chairperson Selwyn Parata says requests have come in from groups in Hawaii and London to compete in the championship.
However, he says he feels the foreign groups are better off competing in the Australian Maori performing arts competitions.
