Watson Ohia Chief Judge for Te Matatini Festival 2027
Te Matatini Chief Executive Carl Ross has confirmed Watson Ohia as Kaiwhiriwhiri Matua (Chief Judge) for Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha, the 2027 National Kapa Haka Festival being held at Hopuhopu, Ngāruawāhia in February.
“I am pleased to announce Mr Watson Ohia has accepted the role of Kaiwhiriwhiri Matua for Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027,” says Mr Ross.
Kaiwhiriwhiri Matua is responsible for leading the panel of judges over the four days of the competition and finals day to determine discipline and overall winners of the biennial National Te Matatini Kapa Haka competition.
“The role carries immense responsibility, and I have complete confidence in Mr Ohia fulfilling the duties of Chief Judge due to his involvement as a kapa haka leader, significant knowledge of haka, and his experience as a Te Matatini judge at previous Festivals.”
Mr Ohia (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pukenga) was mentored by kapa haka greats Tā Tīmoti Kāretu, Te Rita Papesch and Joe Harawira at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato. He has been a Te Matatini Festival judge seven times due to his extensive expertise of haka and other key disciplines. Mr Ohia was also a co-founder of the Waikato-based kapa haka roopu Rangimārie and tutored at Rākaumanga and Ngā Taiātea.
“Te Matatini is excited to be supporting Mr Ohia and the panel of judges at Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha which will be announced in the near future,” says Mr Ross.