Te Matatini 2027 will now be hosted by Tainui in Waikato, after hosting duties for the event were pulled from Nelson.
The festival was taken away from Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui as organisers held concerns that its rapid growth would lead to smaller regions being unable to accommodate the burgeoning numbers of kaihaka and supporters.
The 2027 competition, named Tākiri Tū Te Matatini, would now be held at Hopuhopu — a former military camp turned iwi hub. This would be the first time the event has been held in the region and hosted by Tainui since 2000.
The decision to give Tainui hosting rights came after a two-day tono (application) process that included a joint proposal from Te Whare Haka o Tainui and Tainui waka iwi.
Te Matatini chairman Tā Herewini Parata said the board had been “overwhelmed” by the “depth and thought” that had gone into the proposal.
“It centred on the key values of Kingitanga and was presented with the grace and strength of kotahitanga that this area is renowned for,” Tā Herewini said.
He said the bid received unanimous support from the board.
Waikato-Tainui executive chair Tukoroirangi Morgan said: “As a waka, we have a proud history of hosting the motu and we will pivot every resource we have and work with our partners to make sure it is a resounding success.”
Te Whare Haka o Tainui delegate Tony Walker said it was an opportunity to “remind ourselves of how mana motuhake can evolve on a regional, national and international level”.
Walker said it was an “exciting time” for the Tainui waka community as it provided “stability for this kaupapa”.
“I reflect on the words of our late Kiingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII when he challenged us all to think about the virtues of unity as a pathway to reconnect and flourish in this challenging world.”
Tā Herewini said some logistical issues needed to be worked through before a date could be set.
The festival schedule was established over a decade ago, with Te Tauihu initially confirmed as the host for 2025 in 2013.
The Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2021 festival in Tāmaki Makaurau which pushed the event in Te Tauihu out to 2027.
In May, 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.”
Glossary
Tainui – ancestral waka, often used to refer to iwi or people who descend from this waka
Waikato – an iwi based in the region of the same name
Te Tauihu (o Te Waka a Maui) – region at the top of the South Island
kaihaka – haka performer
tono – apply/application
Tainui waka iwi – iwi that descend from the ancestral waka Tainui
Tā – Sir
kotahitanga – unity
Waikato-Tainui – iwi authority named after iwi and waka
mana motuhake – self-governance
