Te Matatini Annual Report 2023-2024 released
Our 2023-2024 Annual Report has been presented to Manatū Taonga - Ministry for Culture and Heritage and is available to read on our website.
It has been a year of building and strengthening with significant steps being taken towards our vision, Mana Motuhake ki te Kāinga. Matatū, Mataora, Matatini ki te Ao.
In Budget 2023, Te Matatini was allocated $34 million over two years, which represented a significant funding boost for the art of Kapa Haka in Aotearoa. This was the culmination of long-term efforts to build our evidence base to demonstrate the benefits and economic impact of Te Matatini.
In 2023-2024, approximately 70% of the additional funding in the first year went directly to the 12 rohe in Aotearoa through the Rohe Development Fund to support the development of Kapa Haka at the flax roots level. This year we saw the highest levels of participation and attendance on record:
13 regional senior events across Aotearoa and Te Whenua Moemoeā
201 Kapa Haka teams competing
7,455 Kaihaka taking the stage
66,000+ spectators attending regional events
1.6million+ TV and online viewers
55 teams qualifying for the 2025 national festival.
There are more highlights from the past 12 months provided in the Annual Report, which you can download from our website – www.tematatini.co.nz/publications.
Te Matatini Society Incorporated 20th Anniversary
This month our organisation will celebrate its 20-year anniversary as Te Matatini Society Incorporated. On 9 November 2004, the name of our organisation changed from the Aotearoa Traditional Māori Performing Arts Society Incorporated to Te Matatini Society Incorporated.
Over these two decades, but more recently, Kapa Haka has continued to grow and adapt and push the creative and innovative boundaries while still holding true to traditional Māori performing arts. Te Matatini Society Incorporated has also adapted to ensure Kapa Haka can continue to flourish.
Kia kaha Kapa Haka
In closing, there are local and national Kapa Haka events being held through November including Te Mana Kuratahi regional competitions, Te Konohete (public service Kapa Haka event, 23 November) and Te Anga Pāua o Aotearoa National Kapa Haka Festival. I want to wish everyone well for their performance and encourage you to go and support kaihaka on stage.
Nā Carl Ross, Te Manahautū | Chief Executive
Te Matatini waka remains steady with reappointment of Tā Herewini Parata
Tā Herewini Parata has been reappointed as Heamana | Chairperson of Te Matatini Society Incorporated.
At the recent annual general meeting the national board of Te Matatini voted unanimously to re-appoint Tā Herewini as chairperson, a decision Carl Ross Te Manahautū is very excited about.
“With Tā Herewini remaining as chairperson, Te Matatini and myself, will continue to be guided by his trusted leadership and experience, ensuring our waka remains steady in our journey ahead," says Carl.
Fiona Kale new Te Matatini Director of Operations
Fiona Kale (Rangitāne and Ngati Porou) has joined the Te Matatini whānau as the new Kaihautū Mahi | Director of Operations. Fiona (pictured centre wearing the grey jacket) has a broad range of business management experience and a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will serve her well in the role.
Fiona has most recently been working alongside Hapu Ora Social Services and Te Runanga o Ngāti Toa Rangatira, supporting the transition of community services for Hāpori Māori and the development of strong social services to satisfy a range of Government contracts.
In this role, Fiona will be responsible for people leadership and the delivery of functional activity of the Operations team. Fiona will also play a key role in helping achieve our Te Matatini goals, particularly as we prepare for Festival 2025, Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga.
Photo: Ngāti Kahungunu whānau with Fiona at her Te Matatini pōwhiri, 30 October 2024, Wellington.
Te Mauri o Te Matatini arrived in north Taranaki
The two mauri stones of Te Matatini were carefully delivered from south Taranaki to north Taranaki settling at Te Upoko o te Whenua Marae on Friday 11 October 2024, by Aotea Waka iwi of south Taranaki, Whanganui, Rātana Pā and Ngā Kapa o Te Kāhui Maunga.
“The mauri carries the life force that offers spiritual guidance to future hosts of Te Matatini, ensuring the successful running of the event,” explains Tā Herewini Parata, Chairman of Te Matatini Kapa Haka Society Incorporated.
Mana Motuhake ki te kāinga, Matatū, Mataora, Matatini ki te Ao
In 2023 and 2024 Te Matatini appointed rohe-based Pou Takawaenga to provide rohe with administrative and operational support to help develop kapa haka at the flax roots level.
In preparation for the festival in February 2025, the team of Pou Takawaenga gathered in Ngāmotu recently to connect with the people, places and kōrero, and enjoy the sites and the incomparable majesty of Taranaki Maunga, who was ever present during our haerenga, illuminated by the sun, with a snow-capped korowai that was impossible to ignore.
Te Matatini Kaiwhakahaere a-Rohe | Regional Director, Loreen Henare says “a highlight of our time in Ngāmotu was the privilege of being led by Cheryl Luke-Maraki, Pou Takawaenga o Te Kāhui Maunga, and Emere Wano, Festival Manager, and her team, who were able to share insights into the planning, logistics and operations that are underway for Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga Festival 2025.”
This was a key interest to the Pou Takawaenga who will eventually support their own rohe as future festival hosts.
Joining the Pou Takawaenga team was Nic Medway (Ngā Ruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Kahungunu), Te Matatini HR Specialist who will play a significant role guiding the Pou Takawaenga team leading up to Festival 2025.
The team visited the Bowl of Brooklands, where Festival 2025 is being held, and were impressed with the marketplace park-setting and the amphitheatre vibe of the main stage area that will be on full display.
“It’s easy to see why the people and Ngā Iwi o Taranaki are proud of their region. The landscape is beautiful, and the Bowl of Brooklands is set to be magical. You’d wanna be there, so nau mai, haere mai,” says Loreen.
Photo: From L to R – Loreen Henare, Ginny Maxwell (PT Te Whanganui-a-Tara), Nuwyne Mohi (PT Rangitāne), Melissa Barnett (PT Te Tauihu), Nic Medway, Cheryl Luke-Maraki, Teatapo Donoghue (PA to Regional Director), Elizabeth Clarke (PT Ngāti Kahungunu), Te Owaina Gibson (PT Te Tairāwhiti), Kerrie-Anna Tana (PT Waitaha), (front) Naomi Herewini-Houia (PT Mātaatua), (back) Hera Te Kurapa (Project Manager).
Kapa Haka grows across Te Whenua Moemoeā
There has been growth in Kapa Haka participation across Te Whenua Moemoeā Australia leading to more teams competing to qualify for Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga Festival 2025.
“In our 2023-2024 Annual Report, Te Whenua Moemoeā rohe report explains that growth in Kapa Haka has occurred in each state and territory,” says Carl Ross, Te Matatini Manahautū | Chief Executive.
Nine groups (two from Victoria, four from New South Wales, two from Queensland, and one from Western Australia) comprising 337 kaihaka, performed in front of 10,000 people over two days.
In 2020, seven groups competed to qualify for Te Matatini. When Te Whenua Moemoeā held its 9th qualifying regional Kapa Haka festival in April 2024, at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, nine groups took to the stage. Five of the groups were new - one from Victoria, two from New South Wales, and two from Queensland. Five of the groups included young kaihaka aged only 14 years.
Top: Te Atawhai Puumanawa (Victoria).
Middle: Manawa Mai Tawhiti (Western Australia)
Bottom: Te Kapa Haka o Te Hau Tawhiti (Queensland).
12 months of Te Whanake Rangatahi – Youth Development
The future of Kapa Haka depends on developing effective leaders and communities who will ensure its sustained continuation. Leaders like Awatea Rivers Hall from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae, the first Top Subject Scholar for Te Ao Haka.
“We provide a platform for rangatahi to participate in Kapa Haka, and for Kapa Haka to act as a vehicle to engage youth leadership and further educational opportunities,” says Carl Ross, Te Matatini Te Manahautū | Chief Executive.
Contributing to youth development prepares them for tomorrow’s challenges, while sustaining a strong cultural identity that adds value to Aotearoa.
Community Kapa Haka Grants
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa have opened applications for their Community Kapa Haka Grants.
Community grants are for those actively involved in kapa haka at any level. This one-time funding opportunity aims to support community kapa haka events, kapa haka development, and individual growth which close at 11:59pm on Sunday 24 November 2024.
Eligibility:
To qualify, applicants must not be currently receiving funding from Te Matatini Society Inc. Applications are open to all, regardless of whether they are kaimahi or tauira of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Priority consideration for the komiti and kapa grants will be given to those with prior kapa haka experience. Well-considered applications that demonstrate their contributions to the art form will be valued for all three grant categories.
Komiti Grant – $5,000
Designed for any komiti planning to host a kapa haka event within the next 12 months. Suggested uses for this grant include operational costs, equipment hire, and other event-related needs.
Kapa Grants – $5,000 each
Two grants of $5,000 are being offered each for kapa attending competitive performances within the upcoming year (excluding Te Matatini nationals). Suggested uses include kākahu, props, wānanga or noho costs.
Kaihaka Grants – $1,000 each
Available to 5 individuals, this grant supports emerging kaihaka participating in performances over the next 12 months, including Te Matatini nationals. Suggested uses for funds include noho or club fees, travel, and kākahu.
More information is available here - Community Kapa Haka Grants! | Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Campsite Accommodation
Want to stay close to the action of the Festival? We have campsites minutes from Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands available for you to pitch your tent or bring your motorhome/campervan.
When you purchase a General Camping + Festival Bundle ticket or a Motorhome Camping + Festival Bundle ticket, it comes with two five-day passes and six-nights of accommodation from Monday 24 February to Saturday 1 March 2025 (inclusive).
The Camping + Festival Bundle package starts from two people and is available for up to six people. They would make a fantastic Christmas present for whānau.
By your tickets here - Tickets for Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 in New Plymouth from Ticketspace
KAPA HAKA ACTIVATION
Te Matatini is proud to support and showcase Rohe Activations across Aotearoa and Te Whenua Moemoeā. In each Te Matakōrero we will feature a rohe event, story or profile, to highlight and celebrate the growth, development and regional participation in kapa haka.
Cheryl Luke-Maraki - Pou Takawaenga o Te Kāhui Maunga
Paraninihi ki Waitotara, Waitotara ki Taipake, Taipake ki Te Kāhui Maunga rere atu kiTangaroa. Ko nga waka e toru - Aotea, Tokomaru, Kurahaupo. Ko nga iwi e waru - Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Maru, Te Atiawa, Taranaki Iwi, Ngaruahine ki te Rangi, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngarauru ki Tahi.
Cheryl is the Te Matatini Pou Takawaenga of Te Kāhui Maunga providing support to kaihaka and people of Te Kāhui Maunga to grow and develop kapa haka in their rohe.
As the former secretary of Te Kāhui Maunga Cheryl possesses all the skills, attributes, and relationships to fulfil the duties within the Pou Takawaenga role. A role she is proud to hold.
“We are diligent, reliable, consistent and steadfast. Our communities can depend on us to support and deliver our rohe kapa haka development plan, and I am proud to be part of the team,” says Cheryl.
“Connecting and working with our communities is a focus area. With guidance from patrons Patricia Ngarewa and Kura Simon, we will continue to strive for excellence and provide opportunities for our kaihaka to achieve excellence also.”
WHAT'S COMING UP
Two exhibitions celebrate Kapa Haka and the influence of Dalvanius Prime.
A look at the transformative power of kapa haka and a celebration of one Aotearoa’s most revered songwriters and champion for the revitalisation of Māori culture are the focus of two exhibitions at NPDC’s Puke Ariki Museum.
Both Wawata and Te Whatu Pareārohi, share two important connections between Taranaki Māori, iwi stories, Kapa Haka and te reo performance more generally, as a welcome and a celebration of Te Matatini and its immense contribution to strengthening Māori culture. They are on show at Puke Ariki until 13 July 2025. Find out more at www.pukeariki.com.
Photo: Curator Trudi Taepa with an image of the late Dalvanius Prime, which features in the exhibition, Wawata.