Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue from Te Arawa has won Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025, the prestigious national kapa haka competition.
The second-place spot was awarded to Ngāti Rangiwewehi, also from Te Arawa, while Ngā Tūmanako from Tāmaki Makaurau placed third. The announcement came after an intense five-day competition featuring 55 teams from across Aotearoa.
The event, held in front of a sold-out crowd, showcased the very best of Māori performing arts. Judges had the difficult task of narrowing the field down to a top 12 before selecting the winners. The Kohine Ponika ‘Aku Mahi’ Memorial Trophy, a new People’s Choice Award, was given to Te Kuru Marutea for their waiata tira.
The competition was fierce, with many kapa haka groups bringing unique styles and regional influences to the stage. Some performers and former judges raised concerns about the marking system, suggesting that minor errors should not significantly impact scores. Others acknowledged the fairness of certain judging decisions.
The 2025 finals featured outstanding performances from various regions, including Te Arawa, Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Tainui, and Te Tairāwhiti. Each group brought its own style and storytelling to the stage, making it one of the most memorable Te Matatini competitions to date.
Looking ahead, the location for Te Matatini 2027 is still undecided. Due to the event’s growth—this year saw a record 55 teams competing—organisers are reconsidering the planned host region. Discussions will take place over the next three months to determine the best venue for the next festival.
