An R-rated burlesque haka has been added to this year's Maori New Year line-up.
Auckland Matariki Festival, a month of council-funded events, starts on June 28 with a dawn karakia on the Auckland waterfront.
This year, the council is spending $220,000 on 200 public events, including music and dance performances, craft workshops, environmental events and community gatherings.
Gay cabaret artist Mika will use the festival to showcase his risque show, Maori After Dark, for a three-week season before he heads to Britain to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He warns it is not suitable for the whole family.
"Each night is different and we do intend to gently shock," the controversial performer told the Herald on Sunday in an email from Hawaii.
Show co-producer Jay Tewake said although it was R16 it was "quite a tasteful show". "It's kind of like sex with clothes on. That's the best way I can explain it."
He said a large portion of the show was dialogue and spoke of living, lust, loss "and all that stuff".
One event where limited free seats are likely to be in short supply is an evening with winning MasterChef sisters Karena and Kasey Bird.
The pair will share modern tips on classic recipes and "whanau favourites" in two marae-based master classes. Marae and halls throughout the region are on the itinerary to take Maori artists and identities to local communities.
The talented duo will cook at Pt Chevalier's Te Mahurehure Marae and repeat the evening at Manurewa Marae in Clendon.
Karena said being involved in the festival was an important way they could acknowledge Matariki.
"We're like a lot of New Zealanders.
"It wasn't a prominent thing when we were growing up but now it is in the forefront of a lot of people's minds," she said.
This year also features the debut performance of an all-female work by the Okareka Dance Company.
Using the inspiration of an ancient story of a female heroine, Mana Wahine had developed "organically" over the past two years.
It expresses the courage of young women captured in battle.
Auckland Council Maori arts and culture programme leader Anahera Higgins said Matariki was an opportunity to highlight the city's indigenous arts and culture.
Matariki events span 31 days of fun, kai and entertainment throughout the Tamaki Makaurau region.