Mā tini, mā mano, ka rapa te whai

“It was a fitting way to finish off the 2025 festival on the eve of the announcement of Tākiri Tū Te Matatini 2027,” says Te Kāhui Maunga Chairman Elijah Pue.

A staggering $3.1 million in partnership was raised locally, and several businesses donated their expertise and gave staff time off to volunteer at both the pōwhiri and festival.

“Our whole community came together to manaaki and showcase Taranaki at its best.”

Organisations also supported the manaaki spirit through donations such as base power units, meat, fish, honey, dairy products, and vegetables from local māra. Organisers acknowledged hapū and hāpori that contributed to Tapuae Oranga Nuku the outdoor photographic exhibition, and the 25 marae, kura kaupapa and kohanga reo who accommodated kaihaka.

Te Kāhui Maunga Chairman Elijah Pue and Ngā Iwi o Taranaki Māngai Wharehoka Wano are grateful to all who all who supported this festival.

“From iwi across Te Kāhui Maunga, all Taranaki councils, TOI Foundation and Venture Taranaki, to government departments and agencies, and our own iwi radio stations; this dinner was a wonderful opportunity to thank them and reflect on the incredible festival in our rohe,” says Wano.

Mā tini, mā mano, ka rapa te whai. Many hands make light work. 

“As the whakatauki implies, unity is strength, and together we delivered the biggest Te Matatini festival ever. We are so very proud of and thankful to all who were involved.”

Official Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga festival partners were Te Kāhui Maunga, Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, and Te Ranga Tupua.

Strategic partners and sponsors included New Plymouth District Council, Toi Foundation, Venture Taranaki, Department of Internal Affairs, Creative New Zealand, and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Sponsors included Te Kāhui o Taranaki, Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust, Te Kāhui Maru, Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga, Te Kaahui o Rauru, Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui, Te Puni Kōkiri, Stratford District Council, South Taranaki District Council, TSB Bank, and Parkwind.

Manaaki Sponsors included Fonterra, ANZCO Foods, Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation, Powerco, Novotel New Plymouth, Taranaki Regional Council, Pātaka Whata, Kai Oranga Parihaka, and Te Korimako o Taranaki.