Te Matatini – National Kapa Haka Festival

On Tuesday 25 February 2025 to Saturday 1 March 2025, 55 Kapa Haka 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.

For More info go to https://www.tematatini.co.nz/2025-festival