The 12 tribal regions scheduled to host the national Kapa Haka championship,Te Matatini, can look forward to bringing in about $7 million to their economy.
Te Matatini Society chairperson Selwyn Parata. Photo: RNZ
The competition organisers have scrapped the costly bidding process to host the biennial event and have instead decided to allocate a year for each rohe, or area.
Tens of thousands of people poured in to Rotorua over the four days for this year's contest, contributing about $7 million to the economy through accommodation and hospitality.
Te Matatini chair Selwyn Parata said organisers considered the good and bad in the new approach to hosting the event, but ultimately the regions agreed it was best.
Mr Parata said the organisation will consider relaxing media restrictions for future events after banning TV3 from broadcasting coverage in Rotorua this year.
