Te Matatini introduces the People's Choice Award
Te Matatini is excited to announce the introduction of the People’s Choice Award, a new initiative, designed to inspire audience participation with the Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga, He Kāhui Tupua, He Kāhui Wairua Festival 2025.
The Kohine Ponika ‘Aku Mahi’ Memorial Trophy, a koha donated by ngā tamariki mokopuna o (Ngāti Rongo) Tūhoe and (Te Aitanga a Hauiti) Ngāti Porou will provide audiences, for the first time in the festival’s history, the opportunity to vote for their favourite item performed during the competition.
“This award is a celebration of the audience’s voice,” says Tā Herewini Parata, Chairman of Te Matatini Society Incorporated. “The award reflects our commitment to embrace technology and innovation to strengthen the connection between performers and their supporters.”
Voting criteria include:
- Each audience member is allowed to vote for three items
- Only one vote per item is allowed per audience member
- Votes can be changed throughout the festival before the deadline
- Voting is only open during the preliminary rounds
- Voting for an item is enabled after the item has been performed
- A leaderboard will provide up-to-date information
The winner of the Kohine Ponika ‘Aku Mahi’ Memorial Trophy will be announced during the awards ceremony on the final day of the competition, honouring the item that captured the hearts of the audience across Aotearoa.
More information: https://www.whakatane.com/discover/our-stories/kohine-ponika-contemporary-composer-maori-waiata-tuhoe(external link)
For more information about the People’s Choice Award and how to vote, download the Te Matatini App, available for mobile devices at the Apple Store and Google Play.
