Waikato announced as hosts for Te Matatini 2027
Tainui group Mōtai Tangata Rau at Te Matatini 2025.
Photo:
Te Matatini Enterprises
Tākiri Tū Te Matatini will be hosted by Tainui, at Hopuhopu near Ngāruawāhia, following a two-day tono process involving Te Whare Haka o Tainui and Tainui waka Iwi.
In May, organisers announced that the
2027 festival would not be hosted in Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui / Nelson
as had been expected.
The decision came amid concerns around the ability of
smaller regions to accommodate the rapidly growing festival.
Te Matatini chairperson, Tā Herewini Parata, said the full board was overwhelmed by the depth and thought that had gone into the joint Tainui waka/whare haka proposal.
"It centred on the key values of Kingitanga and was presented with the grace and strength of kotahitanga that this area is renowned for," said Tā Herewini.
"The expression of interest received unanimous support from the Te Matatini National Board and we are looking forward to working together to deliver a successful festival in 2027."
Waikato-Tainui executive Chair Tukoroirangi Morgan delivered an impassioned presentation based on kotahitanga.
"As a waka we have a proud history of hosting the motu and we will pivot every resource we have and work with our partners to make sure it is a resounding success," he said.
Te Whare Haka o Tainui delegate Tony Walker said this was an opportunity to remind ourselves of how mana Motuhake can evolve on a regional, national and international level.
"This is an exciting time for our whare and the wider Tainui waka community because it provides stability for this kaupapa," he said.
"I reflect on the words of our late Kiingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII when he challenged us all to think about the virtues of unity as a pathway to reconnect and flourish in this challenging world."
"Te Matatini will now sit down and work through some of the logistical issues before confirming a date for the national competition," said Parata.
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