Judges confirmed for Te Arawa Regionals 2026
Pānui Papāho | Media Release
Ōtirea o Huetanguru | 20 January 2026
Judges confirmed for Te Arawa Kapa Haka Regionals 2026
The countdown is on for the Te Arawa Kapa Haka Regionals 2026, taking place at Te Kaitao o Rangipare, Rotorua International Stadium, on 13-14 March 2026.
The regional competition shifts to an outdoor venue for the first time, just 13 years since the national Te Matatini competition was held here in 2013. Previously held at Tawharakurupeti, Rotorua Energy Events Centre, the change to a bigger outdoor venue is “a testament to the depth and strength of kapa haka in Te Arawa, which saw six kapa compete at Te Matatini o te Kāhui Maunga 2025, four kapa advance to Te Mātangirua, the finals, and Te Arawa kapa winning first and second place overall,” says Rangitihi Pene, Chairman of Te Arawa Kapa Charitable Trust (TAKCT).
While the 26 kapa have been preparing since late 2025, their leaders have been part of rigorous selections of a different kind; selecting the judges for the renowned Te Arawa Regionals.
The process included nominations by each kapa, screening against a meticulous criteria, and open deliberation by kapa leaders to finalise their judging panel. Te Arawa is proud to have a system where kapa input to the judge-selection, “to keep it as fair as possible while upholding a standard of excellence,” adds Mr Pene. “Our senior regionals showcase iwi excellence throughout the Te Arawa rohe, and our kaihaka deserve to be critiqued and adjudicated by the best.”
Many of those nominated have served as judges for Te Matatini, in other regional competitions and at different levels. “Growing our pool of judges who have the experience and the expertise to do a great job has been an intentional focus for us in Te Arawa, that every part of the kapa haka competition is at the highest level,” says Sarah Asher, Deputy-Chair of the TAKCT.
Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue return to the regional competition as champions of both Te Matatini and the recent Te Arawa whakataetae kapa haka ā-rohe in 2024. Four new kapa will perform for the first time and the event will also play host to Mākete Māori 2026, a Māori business market of 60 different stalls.
“The confirmation of our judges means we are another step closer to seeing our kapa back in action, we’re excited to see Te Arawa kapa haka on full display” says Mr Pene.
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