It is with great pride that I present Hawaiki Hou – the new strategic plan for Te Matatini that will guide us towards achieving our vision of Mana Motuhake ki Te Kāinga. Matatū, Mataora, Matatini ki Te Ao by 2040,” says Tā Selwyn Parata.
Te Matatini National Board Chair Tā Selwyn announced today that the organisation’s new strategic plan will supersede the current strategic plan, Te Pītau Whakarei, a year earlier than scheduled.
“We have successfully delivered on all measurable outputs in Te Pītau Whakarei 2017 - 2027, earlier than expected, and will transition seamlessly to Hawaiki Hou due to the strong foundation built over the past nine years. Looking toward 2040, the bicentenary of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we have an opportunity to further elevate the contribution kapa haka makes to our people and our nation,” says Tā Selwyn.
Hawaiki Hou honours those tīpuna who came before, their contribution to kapa haka and navigating the unknown to ensure future generations could thrive.
Chief Executive Carl Ross says “Te Pītau Whakarei, our 10-year strategy, has guided us through a remarkable period of growth, steered us through challenging waters and brought us closer to our long-term vision. We are in a position of strength as we transition to Hawaiki Hou and the new chapter in our journey".
Te Matatini is an economic powerhouse, which impacts community, regional and national economic trends and social change. Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga National Kapa Haka Festival 2025 injected nearly $24 million into the local economy and lifted cultural understanding among festival attendees.
“We will shape a future where kapa haka continues to thrive as a powerful expression of identity that is distinctly Aotearoa."
The plan focuses on six priorities: strengthening our 13 rohe; building pathways for whānau; improving financial sustainability; measuring impact; expanding global connections; and delivering excellent events.
“Hawaiki Hou challenges us to be bold, work together, seek opportunities and be innovative as we consider how kapa haka can grow its reach and economic value while remaining firmly grounded in Māori values, leadership and aspirations," says Mr Ross.
“While the horizon before us is ambitious, the foundation has been laid, and the lessons of the past provide guidance for the future as we look towards 2040.”
Hawaiki Hou Strategic Plan 2026-2040 is available here Our Strategy - Te Matatini(external link)