A Māori Labour MP takes pride in the mahi done to secure Te Matatini funding and bring it to the global stage for this year’s festival in Ngāmotu.
Today is day two of pool performances, with Whakaata Māori, TVNZ, and Iwi Māori radio stations broadcasting live or on-demand to millions worldwide.
In the 2023 Budget, Labour allocated $34 million to Te Matatini over two years, followed by the coalition’s 2024 Budget commitment of $48.7 million over three years through 2027/2028.
Arena Williams, former chair of the Māori Affairs Select Committee, says the competition keeps growing, and more funding is needed to support regions that may host up to 50 teams, as Te Kāhui Maunga does this year.
“You know, we need more infrastructure for this kapa haka in our country, which there is a huge demand for here, but also on the world stage, like when the National government are talking about tourism as one of their economic drivers. Yeah, absolutely. Labour will fund things like this, which bring people into the country and take us to the world stage in a way that we can all be so proud of,” says Williams.
Today’s top teams include Angitū, Ngā Tūmanako, Te Waka Huia, and Te Iti Kahurangi.
