This morning, competing teams will be welcomed onto at Maratahu Huakai / Yarrow Stadium ahead of Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga.
From Tuesday, fifty-five teams from across Aotearoa and Ahitereiria will compete in the largest Te Matatini competition in the festival’s 53-year history, spanning five days.
Te Kāhui Maunga Te Matatini regional committee chair Elijah Pue says the rohe have been preparing for this week for two years, with over 1,000 volunteers and more than 100 operations staff all ready for the event.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s very, very rewarding. Te Matatini hasn’t been held in Te Kāhui Maunga in 31 years. It was the last time it was held here in Te Hawera. Indeed, this is the biggest Te Matatini we’ve seen in its history, with 55 teams. So mammoth job, mammoth effort, but it’s very rewarding kaupapa, and quite honoured to have it in here at home,” says Pue.
As the pōwhiri begins, The Ride for Talei peloton will conclude its trek to Taranaki at Bell Block.
