Celebrated every two years, Te Matatini is the most prestigious national kapa haka festival in Aotearoa. It serves as a platform for Māori cultural performing arts expression, showing the finest performers of kapa haka, a powerful artform that weaves together song, action, and storytelling.

Beyond its cultural importance, Te Matatini plays a significant role in fostering iwi, hapū, Māori, and community connections, promoting community resiliency and wellbeing, and contributing to the social and economic vitality of the host region.