Edinburgh Tattoo set to feature Kapa Haka as central performers

A total of 1200 performers are set to perform at Edinburgh Tattoo including Celtic Pipes, Drums and Highland Dancers. Involvement of Te Matatini this year means 200 kapa haka members from around the country will perform at center stage. Tamati Waaka says we are not new to perform in front of a large crowd but it will be first time to perform with a band and in a large sport stadium and it will be first time for some of the haka representatives standing in front of such an international crowd.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo CEO David Allfrey says this is a big adventure because The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was being held in Edinburgh for 66 seasons and we were once before in Wellington in the year 2000 and it is second time we are here.

80,000 spectators have purchased coupons for the show that will run for four nights. There are estimates that the show will bring $16 million dollar into the Wellington's economy. Waaka says we will display what Maori do. The show will start in Wellington tonight 18 February and will continue to Sunday 21 February.