The first national symposium held on Maori performing arts has been described as kapa haka heaven by the organisers.
Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi - which organised last week's event - says it was a success because it appealed to both students and academics alike.
Nga Mana Whakairo a Toi (Celebrating Haka Excellence) brought together Maoridom's top performing arts exponents to discuss kapa haka in an academic arena, and allowed performing arts enthusiasts to learn first hand from them.
Awanuiarangi programme co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Maori Performing Arts, Rob Ruha, says everyone could relate to the conference.
Mr Ruha says the symposium was the first step in being able to create quality kapa haka resources especially for students following the wananga's Maori Performing Arts degree.
He says this bodes well for future hui that are already being planned.
The national kapa haka symposium was held in Rotorua last month.
