Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has partnered with Auckland Council to bring the highly anticipated competition to the Cloud next month.

The free event will take place on July 9, however registration to compete remains open until June 20 and teams as far as Christchurch have shown an interest in participating for a chance to take home a piece of the $17,000 prize pool.

Te Ihu Takiwā Hoe Whakatere Matiu Payne says working with Auckland Council is an exciting development and aligns well with the roll-out of the new TWoA re-design.

"It will be guaranteed fun and I encourage anyone who enjoys kapa haka to come along, or better still register a dozen of your mates to compete. Don't be shy, a 12-minute bracket could win you and your roopu $12,000."

The competition, which celebrates excellence and innovation in the traditional Māori performing art of kapa haka, is open to all groups and, for the first time, secondary schools are invited to compete alongside adult teams of 12 performers.

Auckland Council Arts chairman Alf Filipaina says Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Kapa Haka Super 12s was opened up to attract a diverse range of kapa haka talent.

"It is a dynamic competition that showcases the traditional art of kapa haka and Māori culture in a fresh, modern and innovative way. I can't wait to see what the teams bring to the table this year."

Visit matarikifestival.org.nz for more information. Registrations close June 20.