Kapa haka is changing hearts and minds in Murihiku, or Southland, where Maori are relatively scarce.
More than 600 children from 11 primary schools took part on Thursday in the region's largest Maori festival, Nga Putangitangi, while their parents clapped, cheered and stamped their feet in support.
Event organiser Rosina Shandley told Waatea News that children from many ethnic backgrounds are experiencing bi-culturalism first hand and their parents are gaining cultural understanding in the process.
She said the children love participating.
