Live Draw Sets the Stage for Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027

Hosted by Te Arikinui, Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, Patron of Te Matatini, the draw will take place at Kimiora, the dining hall and cultural centre of Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia.

After months of regional competitions—12 held throughout Aotearoa and one in Australia—57 kapa have earned a place at the pinnacle of kapa haka competition.  Each will carry the hopes and aspirations of their iwi, hapū, whānau and supporters onto the national stage.

Te Matatini Chairman, Tā Herewini Parata says the Live Draw also marks an important stage in the festival journey.

"Qualifying for Te Matatini is an extraordinary achievement, earned through months of dedication, discipline and collective effort. The Live Draw marks the moment the festival truly comes to life. For the first time, kapa will see the pathway ahead and discover who they will compete against to reach the finals.”

This year, Te Matatini has introduced a revised draw format following a review of the competition programme by the National Board. The new system is designed to strengthen fairness, balance and consistency across the festival.

It recognises previous achievement while giving every kapa the opportunity to perform at their very best on the national stage.

Hosted by broadcaster Julian Wilcox, and Rahui Papa and Pania Papa (Ngāti Korokī), the Live Draw of Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027 will be broadcast on Whakaata Māori from 10.00am on Saturday, 8 August, and livestreamed on Māori+, Te Ao Māori News, TVNZ+, Te Matatini and the Kiingitanga digital platforms.

Please note

• Media passes are required. Please collect this on Saturday before 9.00am from the Media Hub, Rourouiti (the office within the grounds of Tūrangawaewae Marae).
• Interviews can be carried out on the grass outside Kimiora. Filming is not allowed in front of the wharenui, Mahinarangi.
• Please send me your interview requests for Te Matatini CEO Carl Ross or Chair Tā Herewini Parata, and preferred time. Written questions are required.

FAQS

1. What is the purpose of the Live Draw?

The Live Draw determines which of the four preliminary competition pools each qualified kapa haka will perform in at Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027, Hopuhopu, 23 - 27 February. 

2. How many kapa have qualified?

Fifty-seven kapa haka have qualified to compete at Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027—around 2,000+ performers—following 13 regional competitions held in 2026.

3. How are kapa selected for Te Matatini?

There are 12 regional competitions in Aotearoa and one in Australia where kapa haka must qualify for the national festival. The number of qualifying kapa from each region is determined by Te Matatini competition rules(external link).

4. What are the competition pools?

The kapa are allocated to one of four preliminary pools

1. Te Ihu
2. Te Haumi
3. Te Awa
4. Te Kei

Only 3 kapa from each pool will advance and compete in the finals, Te Matangirua,  for the coveted title of Te Toa Whakaihuwaka

5. How does the Live Draw work?

Te Matatini competition rules state kapa haka will be distributed as evenly as possible across the four pools.

The 12 top-placed kapa of 2025 are spread across the four pools first. 

The next group of kapa that were ranked 13 to 20 are then carefully placed to prevent too many high-ranked kapa in the same pool. 

The remaining kapa are then drawn randomly and fill the available places across the pools. 

A separate draw decides the order in which kapa perform within their pool.

6. How is the draw carried out?

The draw is conducted under Te Matatini's competition rules and overseen by scrutineers to ensure the process is fair, transparent and consistent.

7. Is one pool considered stronger than another?

No.

The seeding process is specifically designed to avoid this.

Every pool contains a mix of experienced finalists, returning competitors and kapa who have recently qualified for the national stage.

8. Why is the Live Draw held publicly?

Broadcasting the draw live allows the kapa, whānau and supporters to see the process unfold in real time and provides confidence that the draw is conducted fairly and openly.

9. Why is the Live Draw such an important occasion?

For many kapa, qualification represents extensive preparation, fundraising, composing, rehearsals and qualification at the regional competition.

The Live Draw is the moment when this becomes tangible. It informs every kapa who they will compete with on the national stage and marks the countdown to Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027.

10. Does the draw influence judging?

No.

Judging is completely independent of the draw.

Every kapa is assessed solely on its performance against the official judging criteria.

11. Can kapa request to change pools?

No.

Once the draw has been completed, the allocation of kapa into pools is final.

12. How can people watch the Live Draw?

The live draw of Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027 will be broadcast on Whakaata Māori from 10.00am on Saturday, 8 August, and livestreamed on Māori+, Te Ao Māori News, TVNZ+, Te Matatini and Kiingitanga digital platforms.

E mihi kau ana!

For more information, contact:

Wena Harawira
Media Manager
Te Matatini Inc Society
M: 027 907 1307
E: wena@tematatini.co.nz
W: www.tematatini.co.nz(external link)