Te Matatini Announces 2027 Judges for National Kapa Haka Festival
Te Matatini has announced the judging panel for Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027, bringing together experts in traditional Māori performing arts from Aotearoa and Australia.
The panel includes 35 judges across seven aggregate items and nine non-aggregate items.
Seven Matatoki or senior adjudicators, will work alongside the wider judging panel led by Chief Judge (Kaiwhiriwhiri Matua) Watson Ohia.
The appointments reflect the strength of te reo Māori and tikanga, the depth of knowledge within performing arts, and those helping to maintain its high standards for future generations.
The announcement comes as preparations continue for Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027, which will bring together 57 kapa haka from across Aotearoa and Australia at Hopuhopu, Ngāruawāhia, from 23–27 February 2027.