Hundreds of secondary school students will descend on Hamilton for the Nga Manu Korero national Maori speech competition.
Maori King Tuheitia will welcome participants at a powhiri at Turangawaewae Marae on Tuesday afternoon.
Speakers compete in four categories, including junior and senior levels of English and Maori.
The event will be held at the Mystery Creek Events Centre, and winners will be announced on Thursday night.
