Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga kicks off today, 24 February, and runs until 1 March 2025. Over the next 5 days, 55 teams will bring months of dedication to the stage at Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth, showcasing the very best of traditional Māori performing arts.

Among them are Te Wānanga o Aotearoa kaimahi – some returning as seasoned performers, while others are experiencing the campaign for the first time.

For Haimona Maruera (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Pāmoana, Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Hine) and Maiterangi Collett (Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura), kapa haka is part of who they are. Their journeys to Te Matatini, however, are very different.

Haimona, Te Ngira Kōtuitui - Head Advisor Cultural Integrity at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and kaihaka for Te Tū Mataora, has dedicated decades to kapa haka, first stepping onto the stage in 1992.

The lessons passed on from his Pāhake continue to guide him now, as they did back then.

“Kia rangatira te tū, ao noa, pō noa,” he shares, reflecting on the discipline and pride that have shaped his journey.

He’s competed in nearly every festival, but this one is particularly special.

“This Te Matatini is going to be my highlight as I will be taking the stage with my children, brothers, nieces and nephews back home under Koro Taranaki,” he says.

Maiterangi, a Contact Centre Representative, also has a long history with kapa haka, but is yet to perform on stage at Te Matatini. Her parents first performed with Mōtai Tangata Rau in 2005, and she was inspired to follow in their footsteps.

"Ever since then it's been one of my greatest passions. My goal was to perform with my parents, and I got to do that last year at regionals with He Iti Na Mōtai."

She embraced the challenge of training and preparing for Te Matatini, and although she won’t be on stage this time, she’ll be in the crowd supporting Mōtai Tangata Rau every step of the way.

Maiterangi is grateful for the experience.

“It’s made me a stronger person and more motivated for a spot next time.”

The road to Te Matatini is not easy, requiring dedication and sacrifice. Despite their different levels of experience, both Haimona and Maiterangi agree that balance is key

“It gets intense at times,” Haimona shares, “but I’ve learned to appreciate everyone’s time and well-being.”

Maiterangi has realised that maintaining her hauora is just as important as training.

“This campaign has been so calm. We were fed with the most delicious and nutritional kai and checking in with each other helped us maintain our well-being,” she says.

Balancing kapa haka with mahi can be demanding, but Te Wānanga o Aotearoa has provided invaluable support. Kaimahi are encouraged to pursue kaupapa that aligns with their cultural identity.

“Te Wānanga o Aotearoa have always supported me in all kaupapa,” Haimona says. “Having leaders who understand, and support makes things easier.

Maiterangi echoes this, appreciating the encouragement she's received. “To work in a space that values and actively supports kapa haka is more than words can express".

Although they’ll experience Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga differently, they are both excited about the week ahead, and what it means to te ao Māori.

Haimona sums up with a kōrero from his rōpū: “Ko Tō Manawa, Ko Tōku Manawa - Tū Te Ao, Tū Te Pō.”

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, a Strategic Partner and Sponsor of Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025, also supports kapa haka through the Te Matatini Society Inc. Kapa Haka Scholarships – available to Māori and Pasifika tauira enrolled in the Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge programme with a focus on kapa haka. Applications open in March 2025.