Tō Mātou Tira Our People

Te Matatini is led by a National Board made up of 13 rohe representatives and our Chairman Tā Herewini Parata. We also have an Executive Committee which is a smaller representative group of the National Board. ​Our Chief Executive is Carl Ross who guides a small team of experts and 12 rohe-based Pou Takawaenga.

  • Patron

    Te Matatini operated under the patronage of the late Te Arikinui Māori. Our Te Matatini patron was the Māori King - Te Arikinui Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII up until his passing in August 2024.

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  • Life Members

    Te Matatini life members are recognised for their significant contribution to Kapa Haka and the work of Te Matatini Society Incorporated.

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  • Legacy Profiles

    These are some of the amazing influencers who contributed significantly to strengthening kapa haka and empowering the generations who followed.

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  • Heamana Chairman

    Tā Herewini Parata, a distinguished leader of Ngāti Porou and Ngai Tahu descent, is Chair of Te Matatini Society Incorporated (known as Te Matatini). He was elected in 2008 and has served as Chair since.

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  • National Board

    The National Board is made up of delegates from each of the 13 affiliated rohe (regions) and the Te Matatini Chairperson. The 13 rohe encompass the whole of Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia and the 13 rohe committees support over 130 senior kapa haka teams.

    Each rohe committee co-ordinates kapa haka events and activities within its area. One delegate from each committee is elected to the National Board and is responsible for sharing information between their rohe and the governing body of Te Matatini.

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  • Executive Committee

    The Executive Committee is a smaller panel of delegates chosen from the National Board who meet more regularly and prepare recommendations for the National Board. It comprises the Chairman, five delegates elected by the National Board, and the delegate of

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  • Staff

    Led by Carl Ross, Manahautū (Chief Executive Officer), the National Office is made up of a small team based in Wellington and 12 Rohe (region) based staff.

    National office supports regional, national and international events and initiatives.

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