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Te Matatini brings record economic boost, social and cultural benefits to Taranaki: report

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PUBLISHED: 9 JUN 2025
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About 64,000 people attended Aotearoa’s premier kapa haka event at New Plymouth’s Bowl of Brooklands in the summer, pumping a record $24 million into the Taranaki economy, according to an independent evaluation report.​

The Angus and Associates report for Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga also said the economic contribution, which included visitors to the region spending about $17.4 m, was the highest of all Te Matatini events to date despite the challenging economic climate.​

The evaluation showed people who attended said Te Matatini had a range of positive social and cultural impacts, “notably for bringing people together, increasing interest in Māori culture, expanding knowledge of Māori culture, and creating new economic opportunities for Māori businesses (pakihi Māori).”​

Attendees gave the event, which ran from 25 February to 1 March, a satisfaction rating of nine out of 10, which the report described as “very high”.​

“New Plymouth District Council has committed to partnering with Mana Whenua to make good things happen in our region and it is fair to say there is growing evidence that our combined efforts are starting to bear fruit.,” said New Plymouth District Mayor Neil Holdom.​

“It’s clear our collaboration with Mana Whenua to host Te Matatini 2025 wasn’t just a success for those who performed or attended, it pumped much-needed cash into our economy during a time of recession.”​

Brylee Flutey, GM Destination at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and facilitator of the New Plymouth District Major Events Fund says, “Venture Taranaki are proud to have supported Te Matatini o te Kāhui Maunga via the New Plymouth District Major Events Fund, and are thrilled with the latest impact report findings, including the record breaking economic contribution despite a constrained fiscal environment.​

“With 61% of all attendees being from out of town, it's estimated that attendees spent on average over $900 per day, contributing to everything from accommodation to fuel, transport, retail, and hospitality."​

Fast facts:​

  • Te Matatini is held every two years and the 2023 festival was held in Tāmaki Makaurau.​
  • It features elite Kapa Haka performers who have competed in regional competitions to reach the national finals.​
  • It is a celebration of te ao Māori, te reo Māori, and tikanga Māori, with kai and retail stalls, toi Māori exhibitions, educational workshops and other entertainment.​

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Page last updated: 11:58am Mon 09 June 2025

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