Celebrating Te Ao Māori and Kotahitanga at Te Matatini.
A thought piece by Hineani Campbell-Collier and Jade Kameta.
As kaihaka and uri of Te Whānau a Apanui, Jade, George and Hineani, performing in their roopu Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau A Apanui and Tauira Mai Tāwhiti, had the privilege of attending Te Matatini. As the sun rose over Koro Taranaki, the air buzzed with excitement.
Te Matatini is more than a competition—it is a powerful expression of Te Ao Māori that strengthens our collective wellbeing. From the wiri of our hands to the haka that shake the whenua, kapa haka is deeply connected to hauora. It nourishes wairua, strengthens tinana, sharpens the mind, and nurtures kotahitanga among our people. It is where our reo thrives, our tikanga is upheld, and our whakapapa is carried forward with pride.
For many of us, kapa haka is more than performance—it is a lifestyle that connects us to our tūpuna, our whenua, and each other. The discipline, the preparation, the wānanga, the whakawhanaungatanga these are the things that uplift and sustain us long after we exit the stage.
"It was an absolute honour and privilege to stand on the Te Matatini stage, representing my iwi, Te Whānau a Apanui, and our rohe, Mātaatua. This journey was deeply personal, not only carrying the legacy of my mother’s whakapapa but also having the immense privilege of standing alongside my partner, Erina. Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga was an unforgettable experience, a celebration of whakapapa, reo, and mātauranga that resonated in every performance. The pōhiri, in particular, was something truly special unique in its depth and mana. It was a moment I will never forget." – Jade Kameta, Rautaki Māori
"Having attended every Te Matatini since 2011, this year has been one of my absolute favourites. The manaakitanga of the hau kāinga of Taranaki, the stunning venue, the delicious kai, and of course Koro Taranaki himself made it an unforgettable experience." Hineani Campbell Collier, Kaupapa Innovator
Te Matatini as Systems Change
Te Matatini is also a powerful example of systems change in action. It is an event where culture and health intersect—proving that the revitalisation of our mātauranga is key to the wellbeing of our people. The significance of kapa haka in building strong, healthy Māori communities has been recognised in a major way, with the government’s funding boost of $34 million over two years. This is a historic shift from the previous annual allocation of $2.9 million, acknowledging not only the excellence of Te Matatini but also the fundamental role kapa haka plays in strengthening hauora Māori.
This funding is about more than just supporting a festival it is an investment in Māori wellbeing, identity, and equity. It ensures that kapa haka is resourced as a vehicle for connection, resilience, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. It reinforces the mana of Te Matatini as a platform that uplifts te reo Māori, nurtures leadership, and provides a space for whānau to thrive.
Congratulations! Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue, who have been crowned Toa Whakaihuwaka, the champions of Te Matatini 2025. Their performance, paying tribute to the late Sir Robert Gillies, was filled with deep aroha and resonated across Aotearoa. Their dedication to haka, whakapapa, and kaupapa Māori was evident in every moment on stage, making them deserving winners of this prestigious title. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou, Ngāti Whakaue!
As we reflect on this incredible festival, let’s carry forward the wairua of Te Matatini not just as an event but as a movement that strengthens us all.
Mā te rongo, ka mōhio. Mā te mōhio, ka mārama. Mā te mārama, ka mātau. Mā te mātau, ka ora!
"Through listening comes knowledge. Through knowledge comes understanding. Through understanding comes wisdom. Through wisdom comes wellbeing."
