Nine haka teams participated in the Wellington regionals in a bid to become one of the three teams to represent the region at the nationals next year.
With angelic voices, Ngā Taonga Mai Tawhiti has moved forward as the top team for their region.
According to Ani Morris, “We've been training together now for about 10 years, so maybe that's the secret.”
Ngā Uri o Tamarau are still in mourning after the sudden death of Paora Richards (33) who died after gathering seafood just last week.
They move forward to Te Matatini for the second time.
For the third-placed group made up of Tūhoe descendants, the trials and tribulations of the National Kōhanga Reo Trust weren't sliding by Tū Te Maungaroa.
With the thousands who come to support the event, there's no doubt similar occurrences will be displayed at the regional competitions for Ngāti Kahungunu and top of the South Island set to take place on Waitangi Day.