Over 200 participants from throughout Te Wai Pounamu will perform at the event held at the Ascot Park Hotel today.
IDEA Services Southland kapa haka rōpū (group) would not let their hosting duties distract them from putting on a vibrant performance.
Services support worker Rewa Shearer said it was a privilege to put on the event and the group had worked just as hard in practising for the festival.
"It is the first time the festival has been hosted by Southland so this is a very special moment for us," Mrs Shearer said.
"Kapa haka has brought so much out of them, they’ve loved the waiata, the culture. . .it has empowered them to do what they can."
The Southland group consisted of 14 members with varying intellectual disabilities.
IDEA Services supported the mixed group through their residential, assisted live in and hub facilities networks.
Providing kaupapa Māori classes which included teaching karakia and Māori arts and also helping to weave the piupiu was "mana enhancing".
Months of practising together for the festival had created a "whānau feeling" within the group.
Rōpū member Samantha Morton said she felt like she had become part of a whole new family since taking part in the kaupapa.
"Leave become one big whanau and we are stronger together," Ms Morton said.
Learning kapa haka has led to her using more te reo Māori and the confidence to lead the karanga.
Each group has a 20-minute timeslot to show off their talent.
The festival organisers hoped the day would bring about a joyful celebration of people and culture.
The festival is on at the Ascot Park Hotel today, it will end with a disco in the evening.
