Author(s): Max Matenga, Moana Aroha Henry, Ruth Smith, David Jones, Wi Pere Mita, Amokura Panoho, Wenarata Tait-Kingi

Māori History

"Mā tini, mā mano ka rangatira a kapa haka" Kapa haka flourishes through the efforts of many. 

Embrace the joy and wonder that is kapa haka through the experiences, people and triumphs of the past 24 festivals, and relive memories that will stir, ignite and uplift the soul. 

He Tau Makuru: 50 Years of Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival showcases and exemplifies the pursuit of kapa haka excellence. It is a rich history as shared by those who have lived it. At the heart of Te Matatini are the people. We hear their stories of innovation and inspiration, about the groups, the compositions and the performances. And there are tributes to generations of kapa haka exponents and their legacies. This is a celebration of our language, our culture and our identity as Māori on a national and global stage. 

This is the story of Te Matatini so far.