The Tairāwhiti Tribal District Māori Cultural Competitions is celebrating its Silver Jubilee, the longest established competitions in Maoridom.
Fourteen Māori Clubs took part in the Silver Jubilee Competitions. Many groups and clubs have taken part during the twenty-five years.
Te Hokowhitu-a-Tū from Tokomaru Bay with usually two or three teams, Anaura, Puketewai, Mangatuna, Mātāwai -Motu, Nūhaka , Mangatū (with sometimes 2 or 3 teams), Waituhi, Te Reinga, Wairoa, Tatau Tātau, Rangipaia, Whāngārā, Horouta, Hikurangi, Manutūkē, Te Karaka, Pūhā , Uawa, Hauiti, Mangapapa, Te Puia, Ōpoutama, Repongaere, Ruakituri, Puhi Kaitī , Rāwheoro, Tūranga LDS and many secondary and primary schools from throughout the district.
Three groups have taken part during each of the twenty-five years - Mangatū, Waihīrere and Te Hokowhitu a Tū .
The premier trophy, The Karaitiana Tamararo Shield presented by Meri and Moni Taumaunu had, as its main purpose, to foster and encourage Māoritanga throughout the Gisborne District.
This programme includes performances by Lytton High School, Waikohu College, Gisborne High School, and Tokomaru Bay (led by Ngoingoi Pēwhairangi).
Waihīrere won the highest aggregate best performance award for all sections, primary, junior and senior. There is a short address by the Competitions' Patron, Hēnare Ngata.