ACC supports pinnacle event for Māori performing arts

From Tuesday 25 February to Saturday 1 March, 55 groups will perform on stage at Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth to an audience of approximately 70,000 – and an expected 2.5 million viewers on TV or online.

Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025 is the largest celebration of traditional Māori performing arts in the world.

It encapsulates the power and beauty of kapa haka at the most elite level as groups from Aotearoa and Ahitereiria (Australia) compete for the coveted title of national champion.

This year, the event is returning to Taranaki for the first time in more than 30 years.

ACC Deputy Chief Executive Māori Rēnata Blair says we’re proud to be part of Te Matatini again as sponsors for the 2025 event. 

“There’s nothing quite like Te Matatini in the world – it’s an awesome celebration of tikanga Māori and te ao Māori,” he says.

“It’s going to be special heading back to Taranaki. I’m looking forward to a week of celebration of our Māori culture.”

Overcoming barriers for Māori

The festival is the pinnacle event of kapa haka and highly anticipated by performers, their whānau and the mass of kapa haka fans from around the world. 
 
Performers must qualify at regional competitions to enter the national competition, which is held once every two years. The journey to the stage at Te Matatini requires intense physical training, bringing a risk of injury.

Māori make up just over 17 per cent of the population in Aotearoa but account for only 12.5 per cent of all ACC claims.

Our data shows Māori are more likely to experience serious life-changing injuries but are less likely to lodge a claim with ACC compared to non-Māori. 

“We know there are a lot of barriers Māori face to have access to healthcare and we want to ensure Māori are aware of all the support they’re entitled to following an injury,” Rēnata says.

Rongoā Māori lends a helping hand

During the week, we’ll be hosting a stand to share information about our services, as well as providing the largest ever offering of rongoā Māori for people who are competing and supporting the event.

Rēnata says ACC is proud to offer rongoā Māori as an option in people’s recovery. 

Rongoā has been available through ACC as a rehabilitation service since 2020 and has now helped over 13,500 ACC kiritaki (clients) across the country.
 
The service incorporates a holistic, kaupapa Māori approach to wellbeing that includes ā-tinana (physical), ā-wairua (spiritual), ā-hinengaro (mental and emotional) and ā-whānau (family and social) aspects.

As of early February 2025, ACC has received over 15,800 rongoā Māori claims, and more than 148,500 sessions have been provided for these claims. 

The regions with the highest number of claims are Waikato (with 5,586), Bay of Plenty (1,811), and Auckland (1,556). Taranaki is the tenth highest region with 257 rongoā Māori claims.

Raising awareness among whānau

“Community events like Te Matatini are important for ACC as they provide a chance to kōrero and connect with whānau about our services, like rongoā Māori,” Rēnata says.

“It helps us raise awareness and build understanding around the help available through ACC and services that improve access and health outcomes for Māori.

“We believe in the kaupapa of Te Matatini and we want to tautoko (support) whānau to live well.”

In partnership with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and New Zealand Police, ACC will also be a partner at a road safety stand promoting road safety messages and the road code in te reo Māori.  

Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025

25 February to 1 March

Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth

A total of 55 kapa haka groups will perform on stage to an audience of approximately 70,000 spectators and whānau, and an expected 2.5 million television viewers from all around the motu (country).

For performance schedules, how to view the event and all other information please visit the Te Matatini website.

Te Matatini – Kapa Haka Aotearoa