Te Kapa Haka o Kairanga of the Rangitāne region will set the benchmark by being the first group on stage at Te Matatini 2015, hosted by Ngāi Tahu in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, from March 4th to March 8th 2015.
Te Kapa Haka o Kairanga will be followed by former champions Ngāti Rangiwewehi of Te Arawa, local team Te Pao ā Tahu and current champions, Te Waka Huia, of Tāmaki Makaurau.
45 kapa haka from throughout Aotearoa and Australia will battle it out to become the best kapa haka in the land.
Local Christchurch supporters are able to enjoy the first day of the event by watching local talent in Te Pao a Tahu and Te Ahikōmau o Hamoterangi.
The draw was conducted tonight by Te Matatini Chair Selwyn Parata with representatives of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Christchurch City Council and delegates of Te Matatini in attendance.
Pool A - Te Ihu - Thursday 5 March:
1) Te Kapa Haka o Kairanga
2) Ngāti Rangiwewehi
3) Te Pao a Tahu
4) Te Waka Huia
5) Te Ahikōmau a Hamoterangi
6) Te Pikikōtuku o Rongomai
7) Hātea Kapa Haka
8) Manawa Mai Tawhiti
9) Ngā Uri o Tamarau
10) Pareārau
11) Ōpotiki Mai Tawhiti
12) Muriwhenua
13) Te Aitanga a Hauiti ki Ūawa
14) Te Raranga Whānui
15) Te Pou o Mangataawhiri