Te Matatini O Te Ra Festival

The Eastland Community Trust donated $250,000 and was the key corporate sponsor of Te Matatini O Te Ra 2011 - the 19th biennial international Kapa Haka Festival, at Waiohika Estate.

The Tairawhiti Cultural Development Trust, the host committee for the 2011 festival approached the ECT for funding. A key selling point of the proposal was that it’s a world class international event attracting thousands of people to the region.

The festival is held every two years and is regarded as the premier Maori cultural performing arts festival where elite kapa haka performers compete for the honour of winning the national finals. It’s not just about the kapa haka but is also a celebration of Maori culture and cuisine.

Tairawhiti last hosted a national senior Maori performing arts festival 32 years ago in 1977 so this event was a great opportunity to showcase our region and our unique cultural and historical heritage.

The festival will be attended by approximately 10,000 people every day for four days. The economic benefit of that many visitors to the region is huge, plus the national and international media that was generated.

ECT contributed less than 15% of the entire budgeted cost of the festival but their support provided organisers with additional leverage to seek funding and sponsorship throughout the country.