How to prepare for the 'Māori Olympics'

More than 1800 performers from 47 teams competed in this year's Te Matatini national kapa haka festival in Hastings.

Groups spent hundreds of hours perfecting their routine in the months leading up to the festival where they performed in front of tens of thousands.

Newshub caught up with one team, Te Rerenga Kotuku from this year's host iwi Ngati Kahungunu, to learn just what it takes to compete in Te Matatini - often referred to as the Māori Olympics.

Tutor Sheree Spooner says the event itself is just the icing on the cake. 

Te Kapa Haka o Whangara Mai Tawhiti took out this year's competition last month.

Newshub.