Te Matatini (formerly Aotearoa Traditional Maori Performing Arts Festival) is the foremost Maori Arts Festivals and the summit of achievement for those taking part in the national Kapa Haka competitions. Some 29 groups, comprising around 1,200 performers reach the finals, after first emerging victorious from rigorous regional qualifiers. At Te Matatini, champion Kapa Haka groups from all over New Zealand and Australia compete for the ‘best of the best’ crown, in the traditional performance disciplines of Haka, Poi and Waiata. The festival opens with a 1,000-strong powhiri (welcome), performed by the host tribal group, followed by mass pageants, a fireworks spectacular and four days of awe-inspiring competition and cultural enrichment. About 25,000 visitors attend every day, and besides the main event they can shop at a Tribal Market Place, featuring handmade original, traditional and contemporary art. Te Matatini also hosts a range of artistic workshops in ta moko (traditional Maori tattooing), weaving, carving, rope plaiting and hand games.
Event Date:
February 16, 2012 - February 20, 2012
