Te Kapa Haka o Ng\u0101ti Whakaue from Te Arawa has won Te Matatini o Te K\u0101hui Maunga 2025, the prestigious national kapa haka competition.<\/p>\n
The second-place spot was awarded to Ng\u0101ti Rangiwewehi, also from Te Arawa, while Ng\u0101 T\u016bmanako from T\u0101maki Makaurau placed third. The announcement came after an intense five-day competition featuring 55 teams from across Aotearoa.<\/p>\n
The event, held in front of a sold-out crowd, showcased the very best of M\u0101ori performing arts. Judges had the difficult task of narrowing the field down to a top 12 before selecting the winners. The Kohine Ponika \u2018Aku Mahi\u2019 Memorial Trophy, a new People\u2019s Choice Award, was given to Te Kuru Marutea for their waiata tira.<\/p>\n
The competition was fierce, with many kapa haka groups bringing unique styles and regional influences to the stage. Some performers and former judges raised concerns about the marking system, suggesting that minor errors should not significantly impact scores. Others acknowledged the fairness of certain judging decisions.<\/p>\n
The 2025 finals featured outstanding performances from various regions, including Te Arawa, T\u0101maki Makaurau, Te Wh\u0101nau-a-Apanui, Tainui, and Te Tair\u0101whiti. Each group brought its own style and storytelling to the stage, making it one of the most memorable Te Matatini competitions to date.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, the location for Te Matatini 2027 is still undecided. Due to the event\u2019s growth\u2014this year saw a record 55 teams competing\u2014organisers are reconsidering the planned host region. Discussions will take place over the next three months to determine the best venue for the next festival.<\/p>\n