About Te Matatini
Mā tini, mā mano, ka rangatira a kapa haka
Kapa haka flourishes through the efforts of many
Te Matatini Society is the national organisation for Kapa Haka and Māori performing arts in Aōtearoa, New Zealand.
We are responsible for fostering, developing and protecting traditional Māori performing arts in the pursuit of excellence. We provide funding and support each year for the local, provincial and national development of kapa haka, and work to promote and lift the profile of Māori performing arts in schools, at festivals and at regional, national and international events.
We are an incorporated society and receive funding from a variety of sources, including tickets sales from our biennial national Kapa Haka Festivals, New Zealand Government agencies and sponsorship. We work with arts organisations and businesses that help us grow Māori performing arts and provide opportunities where New Zealand’s top Kapa Haka rōpū (groups) are able to showcase Māori performing arts to the world.
Every two years, Te Matatini hosts a national Kapa Haka Festival where teams from around New Zealand compete to take the title of the best of the best. This event attracts thousands of spectators from around New Zealand and the world, and is a significant event in New Zealand’s cultural calendar.
a 40 Year History
The year 2012 marks a 40 year history of Te Matatini Society and its relationship with kapa haka. Dating back to 1972 and our early beginnings as part of the Polynesian Festival to the eighties and nineties, where the organisation was known as the Aotearoa Traditional Māori Performing Arts Society (ATMPAS). In 2004, the society then became incorporated under its current name of Te Matatini.
TE MATATINI - WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Te Mata-tini may be best translated as ‘the many faces’.
Māori Performing Arts brings together people of all ages, all backgrounds, all beliefs, Māori and non-Māori alike, participants and observers. When I look, I see many faces, young and old
Professor Wharehuia Milroy
Our name – Te Matatini - acknowledges the many faces of the people who contribute to the vitality and vibrancy of kapa haka – on stage, as spectators and supporters. It also recognises the contributions of the many people behind the scenes, including the composers, administrators, kuia and koroua, whanau, wardrobe and costumes coordinators, cooks and helpers, tamariki and others who work tirelessly and contribute voluntarily to support their Kapa Haka to be the best that they can be when representing their whānau, hapū and iwi.
These many faces are often seen at kapa haka practices, at the marae, in the audiences at regional whakataetae (competitions) and the national kapa haka competition.
Te Matatini also encompasses the role of kapa haka in sustaining Māori culture. Kapa haka provides a vehicle in which whānau, hapū and iwi can make connections and embark on personal and collective journeys into Māori cultural paradigms. It also embodies the revitalisation and sustainability of te reo Māori (Māori language), ensuring that Māori culture and heritage remains vibrant and accessible for current and future generations.
our Organisation
Ki te whāngai, ki te whakatipu, ki te manaaki, i ngā mahi kapa haka kia puawai ki ōna taumata
To foster the grace, form, cultural expression, and excellence of kapa haka
Regional Committees
Te Matatini Society umbrellas 13 regional committees that support over 130 Kapa Haka teams with an estimated 4,000+ performers throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Each regional committee co-ordinates kapa haka events and activities within their area and elects a delegate to be a member on the Te Matatini National Committee.
National Committee
The National Committee is comprised of thirteen regional delegates and a Chairperson. They provide governance and leadership for Te Matatini Society, and are owners of the biennial national Kapa Haka competition.
The National Committee members are:
Chairman |
Selwyn Parata |
Aōtea |
Kahurangi Simon |
Te Taitokerau |
Pauline Hopa |
Rangitane |
Mooney Ngatuere |
Tāmaki Makaurau |
Annette Wehi |
Te Whanganui ā Tara |
Wiremu Wehi |
Tainui |
Paraone Gloyne |
Te Tau Ihu o te Waka a Maui |
Dayveen Stephens |
Mataatua |
Te Kahautu Maxwell |
Waitaha |
Puamiria Parata- Goodall |
Te Arawa |
Donna Grant |
Te Whenua Moemoea |
Ihaka Cotter |
Te Tairāwhiti |
Maui Tangohau |
Ngāti Kahungunu |
Helena Ferris |
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is chaired by the Te Matatini Chairperson. It also includes four delegates elected by the National Committee and the secondment of the delegate from the host committee for the national competition.
Executive Committee |
Selwyn Parata, Pauline Hopa, Annette Wehi, Donna Grant, Te Kahautu Maxwell, Maui Tangohau |
Te Matatini Office
Te Matatini Office is based in Wellington with the following staff:
Executive Director |
Darrin Apanui |
Staff |
Titia Graham Kiri RIkihana, Rapaea Parata |
Contracted specialists are also used from time to time, and particularly in the lead up to the national festival.
PATRON
Our Te Matatini patron is the Māori King - Te Arikinui Kingi Tuheitia
LIFE MEMBERS
Te Matatini life members are recognised for their past contributions to Kapa Haka and the work of Te Matatini Society
Life Members |
Mr Hekenukumai Busby Mr Timoti Karetu Mr Trevor Maxwell Mrs Te Aroha Paenga Mr Joseph Paul Dr Pita Sharples Dr Ngapo Wehi Mr George Ria Mrs Tangiwai Ria Mr Tom Ward Mrs Vicky Ward |
