The Manuherikia Kapa Haka Group Alexandra Wide Festival also featured children who attended the Manuherikia Kapa Haka Roopu during the show.
Central Otago Rural Education Activities Programme early childhood co-ordinator Jean Sims it was the first time a ''proper'' preschool kapa haka festival had been held.
The event was part of the Alexandra Thyme Festival.
''They were pronouncing [Maori words] absolutely beautifully and the children performed beautifully. It was pretty daunting with a big crowd watching them.''
Alexandra Thyme Festival co-ordinator Kathi McLean said the official opening of the Thyme Festival on Sunday was a success, with between 60 and 100 people attending the opening event.
The opening at the Alexandra Community House featured a children's art exhibition and the unveiling of a piece of public art, a sculpture by Earnscleugh-based artist Debbie Taton.
Made from Oamaru stone and cherry wood, the sculpture was the fourth piece of public art created through an initiative by the Alexandra Community Arts Council and the Alexandra Thyme Festival.
Much of the festival will be based at Pioneer Park, where a tent village was set up yesterday.
Mrs McLean said positions in workshops during the festival were filling up, but there were still places available.
The festival continues until Sunday, November 16, with daily events and activities, and concludes with Sunday in the Park, at Pioneer Park.
