Over 400 volunteers from New Zealand and Australia will be giving their time to ensure the South Island's Te Matatini festival will be one to remember.
They are the glue who will hold the Te Matatini festival together, the group of volunteers who will ensure everything runs to plan.
Organiser, Kimi Wetini says, "They are from all around. Some have come from Australia, Auckland, Wairarapa, Tauranga and other areas as well."
The 450 volunteers will receive these packs containing t-shirts, hats, wet weather gear and a volunteer hand-book that highlights their responsibilities during the festival.
Wetini says, "Looking after teams, gates, security, the VIP tent, Whitireia, Huipara, the kaumātua tent, the volunteer marquee, the information centre and of course the stalls and market place."
Pua Miri says, "As well as competing, local haka groups are also expected to help out."
Wetini says, "Every day during the competition, we'll take 10 performers to help with crowd control at the front of the stage."
It might not look like much today but in less than 48 hours, Hagley Park will be swamped with performers, supporters and fans.
This is when volunteers will be needed the most.