Nga mahi a Tane-rore me Te Rehia (traditional Maori performing arts) is one of the most visible aspects of Maori culture. Traditional Maori performing arts is one of the key elements seen on the marae and it marked the first experiences between the Maori and European explorers. However, since the arrival of tauiwi (foreigners) the art has evolved, largely as a result of outside influences. Many of the changes that have been introduced to the art have been a product of the struggle of Maori to maintain their language and customs, despite the onslaught of cultural domination. An example of one such change is the introduction of a Western style competition, that is, a formal style of competition that includes judges, assessment criteria and/or competition rules, and prizes. This thesis will explore the evolution of traditional Maori performing arts with particular reference to how this traditional art form has been affected by the 'Western' notion of competition.