Haka Regionals 2024 kicks off this month live on Whakaata Māori as groups across Aotearoa and Australia begin competing for a spot on the national Te Matatini stage.

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A total of 13 regionals will showcase titans of the haka world across 80 days from February 23 to May 12.

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The regionals are the road to the nationals and fiercely contested with 120 teams representing the mana and hopes of their iwi, hapū, whānau and communities.

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Kapa or groups not only vie for selection.  Performers must also prove they are good enough to earn a spot on the team.

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Whakaata Māori Kaihautū, Shane Taurima, has announced all regionals would be livestreamed from all 13 locations.

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“Whakaata Māori recognises the months of training and committment among performers and their army of supporters.  It is an arena of skill and excellence of te reo Māori, where titles are defended and new challengers emerge,” he said.

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“As the Home of Haka, Whakaata Māori has committed to every regional being supported on our platforms.  Haka Regionals is where it all begins for whānau and for audiences.”

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Supported by Te Matatini Enterprises and Te Māngai Pāho, Haka Regionals 2024 will livestream on Whakaata Māori and MĀORI+.

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The curtain opens 23-24 February 2024 with the first regional, Mātaatua, live from Ōpōtiki.