He Rau Mahara - Preserving The History Of Te Matatini

Te Matatini is undertaking a major project to preserve the history of the festival.

This will include capturing and archiving all footage, sound and imagery of competitive kapa haka from the first Polynesian Festival held in 1972 to the present day.

“Where possible, digital technology will be utilised to best preserve these records in a format that can be accessed and enjoyed by future generations,” said Carl Ross, the CEO of Te Matatini.

Sourcing recordings is underway and performances from 2011 – 2013 are being digitised for web display with the agreement of participating groups.

“We’re also appealing to whānau and kapa haka members past and present, to contact us with their own contributions,” said Mr Ross.