The most prestigious kapa haka event in Aotearoa returns tomorrow. Here’s everything you need to know.

Te Matatini has undergone immense evolution since its inception 53 years ago. From its origins as the New Zealand Polynesian Festival in 1972 in Rotorua, to its rebranding as Te Matatini – “the many faces” – in 2004, the festival continues to be a beacon of Māori excellence, innovation and cultural resilience, so it’s no surprise it’s known as “the Olympics of kapa haka”. Held every two years (apart from 2021, when it was cancelled due to Covid) and hosted by a different iwi each time, it remains a vital showcase of te reo Māori, whakapapa and performing arts.

This year, Te Kāhui Maunga – Taranaki, Whanganui and Ruapehu – welcome manuhiri to Ngāmotu/New Plymouth. The festival opens with a pōwhiri at Pukekura Park, a tribute to the mana whenua and the maunga that stand as kaitiaki over this rohe. From February 25 to March 1, the best kapa haka teams in the world will battle for the coveted title of Toa Whakaihuwaka.

Why is it important?

It’s hard to overstate the cultural, social and economic impact of Te Matatini. Te Matatini was allocated $48m over three years in last year’s budget. This year, organisers expect a record-breaking 70,000 attendees across the week, with an estimated 1.8m tuning in via livestream or television. Accommodation in New Plymouth and surrounding areas has been near capacity for months, demonstrating the festival’s growing influence and reach.

How do I head along to check it out?

Te Matatini 2025 will be held at the Bowl of Brooklands in Pukekura Park. Given the unprecedented number of competing teams (more on that below), an extra day of competition has been added, so the competition will run across five days instead of the usual four.

Day passes range from $40 to $60, while four-day passes cost between $120 and $350. Gates open at 7am, with an 8am karakia and the first performance beginning at 8.15am. The festival’s marketplace will showcase Māori businesses, kai and creative arts, making it a hub of toi Māori and entrepreneurship.

Public transport options are available, with shuttles running between key locations in New Plymouth and the venue. Parking is limited, and attendees are encouraged to carpool or use designated park-and-ride services.

Can I still watch if I can’t be there in person?

Absolutely. Te Matatini 2025 will be broadcast live on TVNZ 2, TVNZ+, Whakaata Māori and Māori+. Additionally, Haka Translate will be available through the Te Matatini app, offering real-time translations of waiata compositions in English, Mandarin, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian and Cook Islands Māori.

Who’s competing?

For the first time in history, 55 groups have qualified through the 13 intense regional competitions – 10 more than the previous record set in 2023. Teams from 13 regions, including Australia, have earned their place through intense regional competitions. Each team has spent months in wānanga, refining compositions and choreography to deliver performances that are full of mana and meaning.

How does it all  work?

The competition runs from Tuesday to Friday, with teams performing in four pools – Te Ihu, Te Haumi, Te Kei, and Te Awa – to compete for a place in the finals. On Friday evening, the top three groups from each pool are announced, narrowing the field to 12 finalists. The competition reaches its peak on Saturday when these finalists perform again with a clean slate, and the highest-scoring team is crowned the winner.

What should I know about the performances?

Each performance consists of distinct elements that showcase a group’s skill, storytelling and cultural depth, and each team of 24-40 performers has 25 minutes to deliver what’s known as a a “bracket”, comprising six compulsory disciplines and one optional.

The waiata tira, an optional choral introduction, warms up vocals and settles nerves before the whakaeke, a dramatic entrance that sets the stage with choreography, haka and waiata. The mōteatea, a traditional chant, preserves history and expresses emotion, while the waiata-ā-ringa blends expressive movement with melodic storytelling. The poi adds rhythmic and visual spectacle, often reflecting nature and whakapapa. The haka, a powerful and often politically charged performance, embodies strength, unity, and defiance. Finally, the whakawātea provides a memorable exit, reinforcing the group’s kaupapa and closing their performance with impact.

With the bar raised every year, audiences can expect breathtaking performances that merge tradition with contemporary storytelling.

Who are the teams to watch?

Every group enters Te Matatini with the goal of making history. However, reigning champions Te Kapa Haka o te Whānau a Apanui will undoubtedly be a team to watch as they defend their title. Other past champions, including Te Waka Huia and Ngā Tūmanako, are also known for pushing creative boundaries. Angitu, Hātea, Te Iti Kahurangi and Te Reanga Morehu o Rātana will have sharp vocals, while the likes of Muriwhenua and Te Kapa Haka o Ruatoki are bound to have some powerful haka.

If you’re looking to relive past highlights, TVNZ’s The Road to Te Matatini and Whakaata Māori’s Haka at Home offer in-depth insights into the journey of kapa haka performers.

How do you win Te Matatini?

Points are awarded across all disciplines, with teams judged on te reo Māori excellence, execution and impact. A single point – or even half a point – can determine a winner. The competition is unforgiving but it ensures that the best of the best stand on the final day.

The winning team claims the supreme title of Toa Whakaihuwaka, taking home the Ngāpo Pimia Wehi Duncan McIntyre Trophy, national prestige, and international performance opportunities. The 2023 champions, Te Whānau a Apanui, proudly represented Aotearoa at the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) last year.

Looking ahead to Te Matatini 2027

The cycle continues, with Te Tauihu (Nelson/Marlborough) confirmed as the next hosts. But for now, all eyes are on Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 – a stage set to showcase the pinnacle of kapa haka excellence in Aotearoa.

Ka tū te ihi, ka tū te wehi, ka tū te wana – let the competition begin!

Have high hopes for an underdog, or backing a hot favourite? Tell us which of the 55 rōpū you’ll be rooting for and why in the comments below.