The country's biggest Maori performance event is coming to Christchurch in 2015.
Te Matatini National Festival - featuring elite kapa haka performers - is to be held in Hagley Park, the scene of Wednesday's public earthquake memorial service.
It's only the second time the show will be held in the South Island, since the first festival was held in Rotorua in 1972.
The bid to host the event was made jointly by Ngai Tahu, the Christchurch City Council, and the Waitaha Cultural Council - the body which looks after Maori performing arts in Canterbury.
Waitaha Cultural Council deputy chairperson Rangimarie Parata-Takurua says the stage attracts Maori from around the world.
Ms Parata-Takurua says there's great mana that goes with taking part.
The festival is expected to attract 30,000 performers and visitors to Christchurch.
