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Eastern Bay of Plenty iwi Te Whakatohea is holding its first three-day tribal celebration, Te Taunga Waka.
The event pays homage to the arrival of the Nukutere and Mataatua waka bearing the ancestors.
Organisers say the aim is unite the tribe, which is still waiting for a treaty settlement after members refused to ratify a 1996 settlement offer of $40 million.
They hope sports and cultural events will draw in younger people to become more involved in tribal affairs.
The iwi has about 12,000 descendants, with less than half living in Te Moana a Toi.
The event ends with a New Year's Eve concert at the Opotiki Domain featuring Ardijah, Swiss, Whirimako Black, Rob Ruha and others.
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