The Matatini mauri has been welcomed back to Hastings after almost two years of touring the wider Ngāti Kahungunu region.
The mauri signifies the mana for the iwi to host the world's biggest kapa haka festival in February 2017.
“We here in Ngāti Kahungunu are all very excited to be have been given this very important role to host everybody coming here,” says Hera Huata of Te Kahu o Te Amorangi.
The small rock is the mauri stone, which comes from the Ruahine Ranges, and was first gifted to Te Mataini by Rangitane. The big rock is Tuhua and acts as its protector.
“As the old proverb goes, kapa haka flourishes through the efforts of many,” says Huata, “The mauri is a symbol of kapa haka nationwide that will be coming here to Ngāti Kahungunu.”
Only three months out, Te Kahu o Te Amorangi, the Kahungunu project management team, say they are hitting all their targets.
“Everything is going really smoothly. Everything is on track for Te Matatini next year,” says Huata.
The festival will be held at Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park on 22-26 February and will attract 15,000 visitors a day.