On Tuesday 25 February 2025 to Saturday 1 March 2025, 55 groups will perform on stage at Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth to an audience of approximately 70,000, and an expected 2.5 million viewers on TV or online.
The Te Matatini biennial Festival is the largest celebration of traditional Māori performing arts excellence in the world. It encapsulates the power and beauty of Kapa Haka at the most elite level as groups from Aotearoa and Ahitereiria compete for the coveted title of National Champion.
The competition began in 1972, originally as the New Zealand Polynesian Festival
involving 17 groups performing in front of 5,000 spectators.
We strive to enable all audiences from kohanga to kaumatua to have authentic Kapa Haka experiences as it contributes positively to the overall health and social wellbeing of whānau, as well as significantly playing a key role in revitalising te reo Māori.
We are honoured to welcome kaihaka, supporters, whanau, and audiences to Te
Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025.
Watch the cultural narrative video for Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga here.
Pōwhiri
The pōwhiri for all kapa haka groups competing at Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga will be held on the morning of Monday 24 February 2025 at Maratahu Huakai / Yarrow Stadium, Maratahu Street, New Plymouth. The pōwhiri start time is still to be determined.
You can watch the live coverage of the pōwhiri on Whakaata Māori.
Qualifying Rōpū
Thirteen senior regional Kapa Haka competitions involving 201 teams, with approximately 67,500 attendees were held in 2024 - the biggest senior regional competitions held to date resulting in the highest number of qualifying rōpū ever - 55.
Here are the rōpū that will be competing at Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025.
Coverage of the 2024 Kapa Haka Regionals can be watched on MAORI+
Getting Involved
Volunteering
If you would like to volunteer at Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 please email volunteering@tematatini.co.nz.