It was a real coastie pohiri with nga kaupoi on horseback being the first kaiwero. They were supported by hundreds of the tangata whenua who set the scene to what promises to be a festival to remember.
First day of competition and Te Whanau a Apanui were given the privilege of being first up and they set the benchmark. Other crowd favourites included Te Iti Kahurangi with a set that featured a stunning waiata tira. Favourite poi goes to Tu Te Manawa Maurea, a local group. Other favourites were Ruatahuna who were slightly more subtle then previous competitions. Waihirere also featured as one of the groups to progress.
Bells and reference to Te Kooti was a common theme for many groups. As well as whistles and lots of oohs. Women took the men’s stance and certain amount of sexual bravado was also a common feature. It was also noticable for waiata to change tempo. Staunchest group had to go to Ruatahuna who had real guns - if the coasties were the Cowboys than they were the Indians.