Te Matatini embraces global audience with Haka Translate

Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga is showcasing Māori matters to the world in a language they can all understand.

Today marks the final day of pool performances at Pukekura/Brooklands Bowl, with the 12 finalists set to be announced in the late afternoon.

Waatea Digital Māori News Editor Reuben Epiha says key themes throughout the festival include remembering Kīngi Tuheitia, the ascension of Te Arikinui Kuini Ngawai hono i te po as arikinui, Taranaki Maunga and te rohe Kāhui Maunga, and the growth of te reo Māori.

On finals day, whānau both at the venue and at home can access Haka Translate on the Te Matatini app, offering translations in seven languages for all spectators to engage.

“It’s not just for te ao Māori now. I mean, it opens it up to the world. It’s usually only, you know, the Olympics of te ao Māori, but now it can be the Olympics of the world,” says Epiha.

Haka Translate provides simulcast translations in English, Mandarin, Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori, and Fijian.

The first rōpū on te papa whakatū waewae is Te Hikuwai from Te Arawa, performing at 8:30 am.