The purpose is to allow Tūhoe people who live outside the region to come home and celebrate together and to 'embody the concept of matemate-ā-one, the profound affection for one's land and people'.[1] In 2023 there were 16 groups divided into junior and senior who presented over two days, and due to the 50 year celebration it was not a competition.[1][8]
Te Hui Ahurei is the platform where Tūhoe can facilitate new ideas, embrace new challenges and cultivate traditional values as a people. (Te Mātāwai)[9]
The programme of Te Hui Ahurei has kapa haka, sport and debate. Teams compete judged on acts that include waiata tira, whakaeke, wero, haka peruperu and karanga.[3] Sports events include rugby and netball. In 2016 Ruatoki and Ruatahuna were in the rugby finals and Ruatoki was the winning team, and Te Hono a Te Kiore won the netball.[10] One of the messages of the 2016 festival was the retention of the Tūhoe dialect.[11]