This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission. More than 1000 performers are taking the stage at the Energy Events Centre for Te Arawa Kapa Haka Regional Competition, which is expected to attract close to 4000 spectators. Te Arawa Kapa Haka committee chairman Trevor Maxwell said they had made sure plenty of soap and hand sanitiser was available to spectators, following more cases of the novel coronavirus. READ MORE:* Tangata Rau kapa haka festival to draw crowds in Palmerston North* Kaumātua and leader Piri Sciascia dies* Māori dresses inspired by Disney films* Rotorua prepares to make haka history with World Record bidFive teams from Te Arawa made it through to Te Matatini last year, and two of those - Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao and Te Mātārae i Ōrehu - finished up in the top nine. This story was originally published on RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.

Source: Stuff March 06, 2020 21:11 UTC