Te Matatini is gearing up for its 2027 national kapa haka festival, announcing a judging panel led by Kaiwhiriwhiri Matua (Chief Judge) Watson Ohia.
Read here for kaiwhiriwhiri matua’s appointment.
The panel will assess seven aggregate items and nine non aggregate items at Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027, bringing together expertise in traditional Māori performing arts from Aotearoa and Australia.
The announced judges include Charlie Rahiri, Fred Henare, Haani Huata, Rev. Dr Te Hira Paenga, Robyn Hata-Gage, Turuhira Hare, Dr Donna Morrison, Pimia Wehi, Dr Wayne Ngata, Georgina Kerekere, Hōhua Mohi, Kimiora Webster, Alexia Greening, Kelly Henare, Tuhoe Huata, Dr Petina Winiata, Dr Rāwiri Tinirau, Ngaringi Katipa, Dr Raukura Roa, Moana Aroha Henry, Kimoro Te Wakaunua Taiepa, Nga Hiriwa Mapu, Te Ara Vakaafi, Haturini McGarvey, Hemi Tai Tin, Paora Sharples, Reimana Tūtengaehe, Anthony De Thierry, Margaret Dawn Hill, Thomas Parata, Lavinia Winiata, Sheree Spooner, Maia Mihaka, Linda Te Aho and Leon Blake.
Seven Matatoki, or senior adjudicators, will work alongside the wider panel. They are Ruakiri Fairhall, Rhonda Tibble, Mark Pirikahu, Tei Nohotima, Pakake Winiata, Rangi Te Whiu Jury and Ruki Tobin.
Reserve judges are Mark Kopua, Hone Tobin and Leanne Kerehoma.
The announcement comes as preparations continue for Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027, which will bring 57 kapa haka to Hopuhopu, Ngāruawāhia, from 23 to 27 February 2027.
The appointments recognise the depth of knowledge across te reo Māori, tikanga and Māori performing arts, as kapa haka groups prepare to compete on the national stage.