Ngati Porou is gearing up for one of the biggest days on the tribal calendar.
The annual Pa Wars take place on 3 January and next year's inter-marae challenge is being held at Uawa, Tologa Bay. The event began in 1995.
Defending champion Te Rau Kupenga says only a few marae fielded teams the first year, but the event now attracts representatives from over 50 marae.