Te Matatini announces 12 finalists
After many months of practice, commitment and sacrifice to get themselves prepared for the Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 festival, all 55 kapa haka teams have completed the four preliminary competition days and the finalists have been announced.
Performance schedule for Te Mātangirua - National Championship
Te Matatini National Board Heamana (Chairman), Tā Herewini Parata was proud to announce the 12 finalists who will compete on Saturday 1 March for the coveted title of national kapa haka champion 2025.
The finalists from Day One - Te Ihu Pool - are:
- Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau a Apanui
- Te Pou-o-Mangataawhiri
- Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao
The finalists from Day Two - Te Haumi Pool – are:
- Ngā Tūmanako
- Angitu
- Te Waka Huia
The finalists from Day Three - Te Kei Pool – are:
- Te Taumata o Apanui
- Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue
- Te Pikikotuku o Ngāti Rongomai
The finalists from Day Four - Te Awa Pool – are:
- Mōtai Tangata Rau
- Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti
- Ngāti Rangiwewehi
The 12 finalists will be judged afresh on the compulsory aggregate disciplines to determine Te Toa Whakaihuwaka, the overall aggregate winner. The compulsory aggregate disciplines are:
- Whakaeke
- Mōteatea
- Waiata ā Ringa
- Poi
- Haka
- Whakawātea
- Te Kairangi o Te Mita o Te Reo
Te Mātangirua – National Championship – will begin at 8:30am with the last finalist completing their performance at approximately 4:40pm. The Awards Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:10pm on Saturday 1 March 2025.
There are 19 taonga awarded to kapa haka teams and individuals, plus the new People’s Choice Award – The Kohine Ponika ‘Aku Mahi’ Memorial Trophy.