Hosted by Te Kīngitanga, Waikato-Tainui and Te Whare Haka o Tainui Waka, the live draw will set the stage for the national kapa haka festival, which will be held at Hopuhopu, near Ngāruawāhia, in 2027. Te Matatini Chief Executive Carl Ross says the festival continues to grow in both scale and significance, reflecting the enduring strength of kapa haka and te ao Māori. Over recent years, Te Matatini has evolved into one of New Zealand’s largest cultural gatherings, attracting thousands of performers, judges, volunteers and supporters from throughout the country and overseas. Beyond the competition itself, Te Matatini has become a major economic and social event, bringing significant benefits to host regions through tourism, hospitality and cultural engagement. While Te Matatini is a competition, it is equally a celebration of community.