After a four-year hiatus, Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival is back and better than ever with 45 teams competing in the massive four-day event.
The competition has begun and will run from today, 22nd February - 25th February in Tāmaki Makaurau /Auckland’s Ngā Ana Wai /Eden Park.
Our George Te Ao Māori liaison Tīpare Ngā chatted with Lee & Tammy about Te Matatini:
So, whether you’re heading to the event or supporting from your whare, here’s everything you need to know to get amongst and tautoko this year’s Te Matatini festival.
HOW TO WATCH FROM YOUR WHARE
The competition is streaming live on TVNZ+ now and will also be broadcast on TVNZ 2, so no matter where you are in Aotearoa you can catch a glimpse of some amazing haka.
HEADING TO THE EVENT??
Tickets are on sale now HERE.
TICKET TYPES:
Day Pass: $35-50
Four-day pass: $110-300
Gates open at 7am each day, with an 8am karakia and the first performance of the day beginning at 8:15am
* Note: Children under 5 are free of charge so long as they are seated on the knee.
FOOD/DRINK
Loads of kai, Māori-owned businesses, and cultural/creative market stalls will be available inside the venue.
* Note: Only empty/unopened water bottles under 1L and some homemade kai are allowed to be taken into the venue, however, bag checks will happen at the venue upon entry.
TRAVEL/PARKING
According to Auckland Transport, free travel on scheduled bus and train services is included with your concert ticket from 5am until the end of service that day. Simply show your concert ticket when you board.
AT also suggest using the Journey Planner or AT Mobile app for more details and options on getting to Mt Eden from your current location.
SCHEDULE:
The official Te Matatini Instagram page has the first three days' schedules available to view. I suggest taking a screenshot of each day to easily access via your phone.
The fourth day is currently left blank and will be determined Friday evening where just nine teams will progress through to the final day and be in the running to win Te Matatini Herenga Waka Herenga Tangata 2023.
It’s going to be an incredible four days, so make sure you get amongst and support all of the amazing haka on offer.
