New Zealand premier kapa haka festival Te Matatini will not go ahead at the top of the South Island in 2027 with expressions of interest to host the event opening today.
In a statement on Monday, Te Matatini Society Incorporated chairperson Tā Herewini Parata said the board made the decision on Friday.
He said it was not a reflection on Te Taiuihu o te Waka-a-Māui (the top of the South Island) but a result of the festival’s rapid growth and concern that smaller regions cannot accommodate burgeoning numbers of kaihaka and supporters.
“As the festival continues to grow in size and significance, the planning, hosting and delivery of Te Matatini must respond to that growth.
“While this decision may be disappointing for many, we have had to be realistic and seriously re-evaluate the risks of holding Te Matatini in its current format in smaller regions.”
The festival schedule was set over a decade ago with Te Tauihu initially confirmed as the 2025 host in 2013.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2021 festival in Tāmaki Makaurau which pushed the event in Te Tauihu out to 2027.
Tā Herewini said the event had experienced unprecedented growth since then and was not a significant event on the national calendar.
“While Te Tauihu had worked hard to find solutions to deliver the festival at its current size, concerns remained, particularly around accommodation, transport and freight capabilities.”
Te Taiuihu o te Waka-a-Māui ‘disappointed’ — council chairperson
Sonny Alesana, chairperson of Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui Māori Cultural Council, said it was not the outcome it had hoped for but that they understood the decision and remained hopeful the region would have the opportunity to host in coming years.
“We are disappointed, but we also understand the pressure Te Matatini is under, both in terms of its growth and the financial implications of that.”
He said there was still “widespread support, willingness, and commitment for Te Tauihu and the other smaller rohe to host in the future” once Te Matatini establishes a more sustainable format and framework for the event.
“With the communities of Mohua, Te Tai o Aorere, Whakatū and Marlborough behind us, we are confident the region is up to the job of hosting Te Matatini in the future, and we look forward to continuing discussions to that end.”
Glossary
Te Taiuihu o te Waka-a-Māui – the top of the South Island
kaihaka – kapa haka performers
rohe – district, region, area
