One of the country's leading Maori cultural groups - Te Waka Huia - says the Pacific Arts Festival is a chance to make more connections with other indigenous people.
An Auckland-based pan-tribal roopu, the group is part of the large delegation accompanying King Tuheitia and other dignitaries to the Pacific Arts Festival in the Solomon Islands from 1 - 13 July.
It has a reputation as the premier cultural arts event in the Pacific region.
Kapa haka team leader Tapeta Wehi says one of the main highlights for him will be mingling with other tangata whenua.
There will be representatives from the South Pacific including Tahiti, Australian Aboriginals, people from Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Easter Island among those coming together to celebrate.
Mr Wehi says his team will be sent to the outer provincial islands of the Solomons.
Rotorua-based team Te Matarae i o Rehu will also be part of the kapa haka component attending the 11th Pacific Arts Festival in Honiara.
