“We have received the impact evaluation report for Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga and it shows significant growth and momentum across nearly all aspects of the national kapa haka festival,” says Carl Ross, Te Manahautū | Chief Executive, Te Matatini.
“While the focus of Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga was the national kapa haka competition, the festival is also a celebration of te ao Māori, supporting the revitalisation of te reo me ōna tikanga Māori.”
The impact evaluation report confirms that Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga was our biggest festival yet, bringing numerous benefits and making a direct economic contribution of nearly $24 million to the local economy in Taranaki.
The evaluation is informed by a survey of festival participants, which sought to assist in further developing the national festival. The survey demonstrates the social, wellbeing, cultural and economic impacts of the festival, and highlights the benefits to Aotearoa, the host rohe, sponsors and stakeholders.
Audiences rated Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 9.0 out of 10, with satisfaction being high across the board but highest overall amongst stallholders/exhibitors.
“Feedback was even more positive than earlier events, with attendees endorsing Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga for a wide range of social and cultural impacts.” Almost all survey respondents indicated they were likely to attend again.
Most notably, 2025 saw a significant increase in the proportion of survey respondents agreeing that Te Matatini “has increased my interest in Māori culture” and that it has “helped to expand my knowledge of Māori culture and cultural activities”.
Respondents wrote -
“Celebration of Māoritanga” and “It was wonderful to be surrounded by te reo being spoken and I felt very humbled to be in such a great authentic environment.”
Elijah Pue, Chairman, Te Kāhui Maunga Society Inc is pleased with the positive response and acknowledges all who supported the festival.
“From marae, hotels, motels and locals hosting whānau, to schools hosting group practices, to our local businesses and councils who opened their facilities across the region for our manuhiri to enjoy. This is a heartfelt thank you to the whole of Te Kāhui Maunga for making this such a wonderful and memorable experience for all our manuhiri near and afar.”
Stakeholders also endorsed Te Matatini 2025 for its wide range of social and cultural impacts; notably for bringing people together, increasing interest in Māori culture, expanding knowledge of Māori culture and creating new economic opportunities for pakihi Māori.
“The findings further demonstrate the positive impact the Te Matatini national kapa haka festival continues to have on Aotearoa New Zealand and our diverse communities. We will consider the findings of the report as we plan for future Te Matatini festivals,” says Carl.
Read the full Te Matatini 2025 Impact Evaluation Report [PDF 1.7 MB] on our website.