Media Release – 4 August 2015
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi throws support behind Te Matatini 2017
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated is supporting the Ngāti Kahungunu Rūnanga Arts and Culture Board by providing
$350,000.00 to host Te Matatini at the Hawkes Bay Sports Park in Hastings, 22-25 February 2017.
“I’m delighted that we are able to support this major international event”, said iwi leader Ngahiwi Tomoana. “The last
time this event was held here was 1983 and that event was an uplifting experience for our people. I can see the same
opportunities and more will arise from this occasion”. “We’re expecting 20,000 visitors”. “With our $350,000.00 we are
the largest contributor to the event besides the event owners themselves, Te Matatini”.
“The role of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi is to provide hospitality at the welcoming and closing ceremonies for 3000 plus kapa
haka fanatics and their supporters from all around the world”. “And more importantly help our 65,000 members to enjoy
this uplifting and memorable event”.
A hui-a-iwi is to be planned soon to update members on how they can participate, volunteer, provide services and enjoy
this biennial event.
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated congratulates the Ngāti Kahungunu Rūnanga Arts and Culture Board on their work to date
and wishes them well in their endeavours to raise further funding and volunteer manpower for Te Matatini 2017.
Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated will manage a series of Kahungunu-wide projects and activities for iwi and community
members that will occur in the lead up to Te Matatini. This will be known as ‘Kahungunu, Kia Eke!’, and is totally
separate to the Kahungunu Te Matatini 2017 Event.
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