Competition Pools Set for Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027 Following Official Live Draw

All 57 qualified kapa haka from Aotearoa and Australia have now been assigned to their preliminary competition pools, marking a major milestone on the journey to Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027.
 
The draw was broadcast and streamed live from Tūrangawaewae marae in Ngāruawāhia, hosted by Te Arikinui, Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.
 
This year, Te Matatini introduced a revised draw format following a review of the competition programme by the national board. The new system was designed to strengthen fairness, balance and consistency across the festival. 
 
The draw moved across the four pools one position at a time, until every kapa was placed. Another draw decided the performance of each kapa within their pool. By the end of the draw, 15 kapa were in the pool Te Ihu, and 14 kapa each in Te Haumi, Te Awa and Te Kei.
The three highest-placed kapa within each pool will advance to the finals, Te Matangirua.
Te Matatini Chairman, Tā Herewini Parata said the draw was an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and calibre of participating kapa.
 
“The draw provides the first preview of the competition landscape. Kapa, supporters and audiences will be excited to see these taniwha of cultural excellence in some highly anticipated showdowns on stage at Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha in 2027.”

For more information, please contact:
 
Wena Harawira
Media Manager
Te Matatini Inc Society
M: 027 907 1307
E:wena@tematatini.co.nz
W: www.tematatini.co.nz