Secure long-term funding of $48.7 million from 2025 will ensure the future of Te Matatini prospers with the support of the Government, Māori Development Minister, Tama Potaka said today.
“The significance of kapa haka to Te Ao Māori is something we value deeply, especially since the rise of the waiata-ā-ringa form with Tā Apirana Ngata,” said Minister Potaka.
“The contribution Te Matatini makes to our culture in Aotearoa, New Zealand, is without a doubt an important aspect of that. It also contributes positively to intergenerational learning among whānau.
“The last government left New Zealanders with several unfunded programmes, and Te Matatini was unfortunately one of them with no funding after 2024/25. We’ve changed that.”
The new funding of $48.7 million is over three years, beginning in 2025/26.
The Minister said the funding is set up to enable Te Matatini to embed a regional kapa haka model, which allows communities to decide how best to bring kapa haka to life in their regions. It will also support Te Matatini to run the biennial national festival.
“Financial certainty for Te Matatini over the coming years is one thing, however, it will also ensure that through kapa haka, Te Reo Māori and Māori culture can be enjoyed all throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand. This will help us celebrate the ongoing revitalisation of our language and tikanga,” Mr Potaka said.
“There are also clear economic benefits – in 2023 the Te Matatini event in Auckland was attended by more than 70,000 people. The economic contribution to Auckland as a result of the festival was at least $22 million. The kotahitanga contribution to our communities was priceless.
“Our Government will not be leaving important programmes like this unfunded. We want to see Māori culture thrive, and I encourage everyone who has the chance to experience kapa haka or attend Te Matatini to do so,” he said.
