Friday, 27 June 2025 — Ngāruawāhia, Waikato

• The Te Matatini Board, alongside regional iwi, has confirmed Hopuhopu, Ngāruawāhia (Waikato) as the host venue for Te Matatini 2027, after previously announcing that Te Tauihu o te Waka-a-Māui (Nelson–Marlborough) would not be able to host due to infrastructure limitations. 

• The decision follows the board’s review of the festival’s rapid growth, highlighting concerns around accommodation, transport, freight, and crowd capacity—factors that smaller regions struggled to meet

Hopuhopu: A Strategic Choice

• Hopuhopu, formerly the military camp returned to Waikato‑Tainui in 1993, will undergo large-scale upgrades to meet the demands of the event—enhancing marae, infrastructure, and transport access

Tukoroirangi Morgan, Te Ara Taura chair, described the decision as a “return of the world” to kapa haka, invoking cultural and ancestral pride:

“We gather under the shadow of Taupiri, at Hopuhopu… this is a momentous occasion.”

The pivot follows the 2025 event in New Plymouth, which was hosted by Te Kāhui Maunga, and a cancelled 2021 Auckland festival that shifted Te Tauihu’s turn to 2027. Te Matatini officials emphasized due diligence and scale readiness as key factors in selecting a capable host

Expressions of interest from other regions remain possible, though Hopuhopu has been confirmed. Preparatory work on infrastructure upgrades is already underway. 

ākiri Tū Te Matatini will be hosted by Tainui, at Hopuhopu, following a two-day tono process involving Te Whare Haka o Tainui and Tainui waka Iwi.

Te Matatini Chairman, Tā Herewini Parata said the full board was overwhelmed by the depth and thought that had gone into the joint Tainui waka/whare haka proposal.

“It centred on the key values of Kingitanga and was presented with the grace and strength of kotahitanga that this area is renowned for,” said Tā Herewini.

“The expression of interest received unanimous support from the Te Matatini National Board and we are looking forward to working together to deliver a successful festival in 2027.”

Waikato-Tainui Executive Chair Tukoroirangi Morgan delivered an impassioned presentation based on kotahitanga.

“As a waka we have a proud history of hosting the motu and we will pivot every resource we have and work with our partners to make sure it is a resounding success,” said Tuku Morgan.

Te Whare Haka o Tainui delegate Tony Walker said this was an opportunity to remind ourselves of how mana Motuhake can evolve on a regional, national and international level.

“This is an exciting time for our whare and the wider Tainui waka community because it provides stability for this kaupapa.

“I reflect on the words of our late Kiingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero XII when he challenged us all to think about the virtues of unity as a pathway to reconnect and flourish in this challenging world,” said Tony Walker.

“Te Matatini will now sit down and work through some of the logistical issues before confirming a date for the national competition,” said Tā Herewini Parata.