May our love and devotion flow to our esteemed queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, as she presides over her first Te Matatini as the Māori queen. Her name and ancestral links were echoed throughout Pukekura, as each group from around the country recommitted themselves to her whānau and to the Kāhui Ariki nui tonu.

Remain steadfast, Te Arikinui, to the scared mantle of your ancestors, for all the world to see, so that the accolades be bestowed on you. May you be celebrated by your people, and may you be blessed in the days, months and years that follow.
 

It has been prophesied that a new generation, born of the aspirations of our people, will rise and lead us forward. Today, we welcome the Kōhanga Reo generation – grown strong and flourishing. Like a feather pinned in time, their presence will forever be woven into the memories of Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga 2025.

Te iwi Māori was greeted by poi upon arriving in New Plymouth, to also weave those who have passed on, under the mantle of Taranaki Maunga. We are reminded of nanny Piki Waretini, nanny Huia Rewiti Henere stalwarts of Aotea, we also remember Kiingi Tuheitia Pōotatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu, Whaea Titoki Black, Te Wheoro Rangikotua, Dame Tariana Turia and Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi. The deceased of the various Kapa Haka were also mourned and welcomed to ensure their presence was acknowledged at Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga. 

These occasions are rare, where Māori people gather unencumbered to think their own thoughts, unhindered to express their protocols and speaking the language freely. Despite the rhetoric that is and continues to be espoused by the government, that narrative takes a a backseat to the proceedings of Te Matatini. Here, unity prevails – seen from the welcome at Maratahu Huakai through to the final day of Te Matatini..

This gathering is the embodiment of Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu’s vision – a vision we are grateful for. Te Kāhui Maunga, Te Matatini ki Te Kāhui Tipua, Te Kāhui Wairua – guardians of peace and harmony, we salute you.

A week has passed since the motu gathered in Ngāmotu for the biennial Te Matatini festival, yet the excitement and pride remain strong in the hearts and minds of all who attended.

More than two thousand kaihaka took to the Te Matatini stage, each performing with passion and excellence in pursuit of the prestigious title. Among them, over 60% were Manu Pīrere – graduates of Kōhanga Reo – demonstrating the lasting impact of our kaupapa.

From kaitātaki to kaihaka, from weavers and designers of stunning kākahu Māori to cooks, cleaners, and crew, Manu Pīrere were at the heart of Pukekura, stepping up in every way to support the festival and ensure its success.

Te Ngāwari Wright, leader of this year’s winning team, Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue, is still in awe of the results, acknowledging the incredible talent of every rōpū that graced the stage. She credits her Kōhanga Reo upbringing for shaping her into the kaihaka she is today, carrying with her the love, support, and nurture she received, and striving to emulate those values in her everyday life.

Well-respected rangatira of the hosting iwi, Ruka Broughton, speaks highly of the role Kōhanga Reo plays in nurturing future leaders. He affirms that Te Kōhanga Reo is the foundation of kotahitanga for te iwi Māori, where our tamariki first learn the essential life skills that will carry them into the future.

Whare Hokohoko

Ngarama Haerewa is a Manu Pīrere of Kōhanga Reo and is head of Procurement for the National Trust Head Office. His passion lies in ensuring that our whānau have access to quality resources while continuing to develop and expand Kōhanga Reo merchandise.

Reflecting on this year’s Te Matatini, Ngarama shared his thoughts:

“Seeing the reaction on whānau faces when they held our unique pounamu tohu and heru in their hands – rather than just seeing them online – was truly heartwarming. One whānau member was so moved, they bought six of the large pounamu tohu! Te Matatini itself ordered 300 of our aluminium drink bottles, and of course, Carl Ross, CE of Te Matatini, proudly wore our pounamu tohu.”

“It was a privilege to be there, to connect directly with our whānau, and to hear just how passionate they are about the kaupapa of Kōhanga Reo. While we had our Toa Hokohoko merchandise stand, we also made sure there were plenty of free resources for our mokopuna and whānau, as well as giveaways so they could come and support their teams on stage.”

“Our space wasn’t just about merch and gear  – it was a place where whānau could take a breath, relax, and let their tamariki enjoy the activities and play in a welcoming environment.”

In terms of best kapa roopu…
 
I’m biased on who I tautoko because of having whānau in Te Poho o Hinekahukura and Te Taumata o Apanui. I absolutely enjoyed Te Pikikōtuku o Ngāti Rongomai and Ngati Whakaue, especially their waiata-ā-ringa (He Kōnui, He Kōroa)
 
At the end of the day, Te Ao Māori was the winner, as always!

Kōhanga Reo Generation

Kōhanga generation is a catch phrase that has been used widely by many to describe the new emerging generation of leaders, politicians, and those who are taking up active role business, Iwi and Hapu affairs. 

We catch up with Tākuta Ferris Māori MP for Te Tai Tonga who was enlisted as a MC amongst other Manu Pīrere, Kōhanga Reo Graduates, to come and support the biggest gathering of māori in the world.