The Ngai Tuhoe biennial festival, Te Ahurei o Tuhoe, gets underway in the Eastern Bay of Plenty settlement of Ruatoki on Friday.
This year marks the 41st anniversary.
The event starts about 7.30am with a powhiri or welcoming ceremony at Te Rewarewa Marae.
Festivities include debates, sporting events and kapa haka.
The tribe's annual general meeting or hui-a-tau will be held on Monday before the festival ends with a closing ceremony.
