A rousing haka powhiri by local school pupils welcomed Ngai Tahu whanau from around the country yesterday, and thousands are expected in Dunedin for Hui-a-iwi Ngai Tahu cultural festival.
About 750 people attended the official welcome and about 2500 were expected to watch the stage performances and visit stalls and exhibitions over the weekend.
The hui would be hosted by Te Runanga o Otakou, Kati Huirapa Runanga ki Puketeraki and Te Runanga o Moeraki.
Kati Huirapa Runanga ki Puketeraki representative Matapura Ellison said the weekend was a celebration of Ngai Tahu culture.
''[It's about] families coming together enjoying family time. So it's a huge tribal gathering,'' Mr Ellison said.
The showcase event would be a highlight with performances by well-known Maori artists including Beau Monga and Crew, Maisey Rika, Ria Hall, Troy Kingi and Rob Ruha, at the Dunedin Town Hall tonight, and people were encouraged to attend events around the city including at Otago Museum, Toitu and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.
A market with Maori artwork and food would run all weekend on Harrop St.
''It's important, because it's the first time Ngai Tahu has come to town and ... it's going to be an open celebration of Ngai Tahu. We want the public to come and experience Ngai Tahu tanga, Ngai Tahu culture ... and we're making it open to anyone who wants to come and just see what this is all about.
''You are very welcome, you will feel welcome and just experience it.''
The events would also be streamed live via a Hui-a-iwi app.
The festival finishes tomorrow.
