Te Matatini Chairperson Ta Selwyn Parata and Chief Executive Carl Ross have welcomed the reassurance from the new
Government to honour its commitment to foster the love of kapa haka within the regions and to fund the premier bi-annual
Te Matatini kapa haka event.
Carl Ross says the endorsement recognises the positive impact that kapa haka has on our society and shows how the
cultural art form is embraced by all New Zealanders.
“The Government’s commitment to funding not only sustains our world-class cultural event but also serves as a testament
to the importance placed on preserving and celebrating kapa haka across Aotearoa New Zealand. We appreciate the
continued support.”
The Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis, presented the mini budget earlier this week, and was asked if the Government
would still fund Te Matatini. She confirmed that Te Matatini will get the money it needs and she will not be breaking
that commitment.
The majority of the current funding has been invested into the regions to align with Te Matatini’s vision: Mana Motuhake
ki te Kainga: Matatū, Mataora, Matatini ki te ao - rohe led and Te Matatini enabled, supporting the kapa haka
aspirations of each rohe. The focus is to foster the love of kapa haka within the regions and to empower individual
communities to decide how the resources are invested.
More than 70,000 spectators attend the Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata event and a further 1.8 million people
stream the festival online. The economic contribution to the Auckland region, who hosted the event in February, was at
least $22 million.
Te Matatini Chairperson, Ta Selwyn Parata, says kapa haka plays a pivotal role in showcasing the diversity and
significance of Māori performing arts.
“Kapa haka is a platform for both traditional and contemporary kapa haka groups, fostering a sense of unity and pride
among performers and spectators, while celebrating and retaining the Māori culture and language.”