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A record 57 groups
From 12 regional competitions in Aotearoa and one in Australia, more than 2,000 performers compete in four pools over four days.
Arts & culture
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Crowds in front of the stage at Te Matatini 2015 in Hagley Park, Christchurch; a file photo. · Report image rightsNgāruawāhia · New ZealandArts & culture
2027.02.22 — 2027.02.27 · Coming soon
The nation’s finest kapa haka on one stage.
Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027
Te Matatini is New Zealand’s national kapa haka festival, the pinnacle of Māori performing arts competition. The 2027 festival, Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha, runs from 22 to 27 February at Hopuhopu Sports Park near Ngāruawāhia in the Waikato, co-hosted by Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, the people of Tainui waka and Te Matatini. After 12 regional competitions in Aotearoa and one in Australia, 57 kapa haka with more than 2,000 performers have qualified, the most in the festival’s history. They compete over four days in four pools, Te Ihu, Te Haumi, Te Kei and Te Awa, and the top three from each pool go through to the final, Te Mātangirua, on day five. Ticketing is still to be announced.
GOWOAH / Ngāruawāhia
A REASON TO GO
A REASON TO GO
Hopuhopu Sports Park2027.02.22 — 2027.02.27Arts & cultureAdmission cost unconfirmed
FIND YOUR REASON
What draws you to this experience?
02
Finals on day five
The top three from each pool go through to Te Mātangirua, the final, on day five.
Arts & culture03
2025: a tribute to the last veteran
In 2025 the champions, Ngāti Whakaue, dedicated their performance to Sir Robert Gillies, the last Māori Battalion veteran, who died in 2024.
Arts & cultureA LITTLE CLOSER
A closer look.
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2015 · Schwede66 · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Preview cropped; enlarge for full image. · Report image rights
MAKE IT YOUR EXPERIENCE
Does this fit what you are looking for?
This could be for you if you are…
- Anyone drawn to Māori culture
- Anyone in the North Island in February
Before you decide
Ticketing and daily times are not out yet.
In 2025 people queued from 3am on finals day, so arrive early for popular sessions.
The plan for 22 February is not out yet.
FIND YOUR PLACE
Explore the layout. Plan your route.
This edition’s site map is not out yet.
Open official guide ↗FROM AN IDEA TO A PLAN
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Dates & times
2027.02.22 — 2027.02.27Monday 22 to Saturday 27 February 2027 (New Zealand time); pools 23–26 February, final on the 27th; times vary and are still to come.
Pacific/AucklandMore programme details
- A record 57 groups
- Finals on day five
- 2025: a tribute to the last veteran
Venue & travel
Hopuhopu Sports ParkHopuhopu Sports Park is at 451 Old Taupiri Road, Ngāruawāhia, north of Hamilton; transport plans are still to come.
Entry & companions
Ticketing is still to be announced.
Tickets & access
Ticketing to be announced
Confirm accessibility services and companion policies with the organiser before travel.
Sources & image credits
Dates and entry details refer to this edition; individual sessions may differ.
Schwede66 · CC BY-SA 4.0 Image source
Te Matatini
Crowds in front of the stage at Te Matatini 2015 in Hagley Park, Christchurch; a file photo.
Information checked on 2026-10-16
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