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Te Matatini Fan Zones – an exciting new initiative, Te Matatini is making kapa haka more accessible than ever, launching two official Fan Zones in Te Whanganui ā Tara and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
In partnership with Te Papa and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust, these Fan Zones will bring the magic of Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 to those unable to travel to Ngāmotu-New Plymouth.
“I am pleased to announce the launch of two Te Matatini Fanzones in Te Whanganui ā Tara and Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Te Matatini manahautū CEO Carl Ross.
“We know that many avid haka fans won’t be able to journey to Ngāmotu so this new approach is a way of bringing the wairua of Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 and all its magic closer to them, and I am excited about what we have been able to achieve.”
Te Matatini at Te Papa “Te Whanganui ā Tara Fan Zone brings the festival wairua to the capital, offering a vibrant hub where people can gather to enjoy the livestream, experience a special pākihi Māori market, and celebrate together – making Te Matatini accessible for those who can’t journey to Ngāmotu New Plymouth,” says Te Papa Kaihautū, Māori co-leader, Dr Arapata Hakiwai.
“Te Matatini and Te Papa have a shared kaupapa of providing a platform for our people to share their reo, hītori, kōrero and whakaaro in their own diverse ways, and this new Fan Zone initiative is a great way to do this.”
From Tuesday, February 25, to Saturday, March 1, 2025, a record 55 kapa haka will take the stage at Pukekura-Bowl of Brooklands in Ngāmotu-New Plymouth, competing for the title of national champion at the world’s largest festival of Māori performing arts. Te Matatini at Te Tōangaroa
“Te Matatini is the pinnacle of kapa haka excellence, and after the privilege of hosting the festival in 2023, we are honoured to extend our manaaki once again to whānau and manuhiri here in Tāmaki,” says Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust chair Marama Royal.
“As a former kaihaka, I know the dedication, passion, and countless hours that go into preparing for Te Matatini. We acknowledge and celebrate every performer taking the stage and send our full support to those traveling to Ngāmotu to represent their whānau, iwi, and rohe.
“Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is incredibly proud to host the only official Te Matatini fan zone in Tāmaki Makaurau at Te Tōangaroa, the first urban tangata whenua precinct.”
While the competition unfolds in Ngāmotu, Fanzones will be launched in Wellington and Auckland, enabling more people in two of our largest cities to experience Te Matatini.
Whānau, locals, visitors, and corporates will be able to enjoy the power of kapa haka and celebrate Māori culture in a wide range of activities:
- Live Screenings of Te Matatini Performances: See all the action with all performances live from Pukekura-Bowl of Brooklands at indoor and outdoor viewing areas.
- Cultural Workshops: Take part in hands-on activities such as poi-making and gain a deeper understanding of Māori traditions and craftsmanship.
- Live kapa haka: Be entertained by the talent and passion of rangatahi.
- Kai Vendor Areas: Savour local and Māori cuisine, with food vendors offering traditional and contemporary Māori dishes for all to enjoy.
Te Matatini Fan Zones are open to everyone – whānau looking to enjoy a fun day out, a school wanting a cultural experience for students, a visitor eager to connect with Māori traditions, a corporate group outing or an online viewer from the other side of the globe.
