article_snippet: The festival begins with a powhiri, where performers, guests and visitors are welcome by the local hosts.
article_snippet: The festival, which is now in A male member of Tuhourangi-Ngati Wahiao from Rotoura 22nd year, first began in 1972 and attracts performers and viewers from all around New Zealand and Australia .
article_snippet: The festival is now in The festival 22nd year, attracting over 30,000 performers, supporters and visitors, after having first began in 1972.
highlights_snippet: This year, 30,000 performers and supporters have come together for the four day festival in Christchurch .
  