Te Matatini and Tainui have announced a 20 percent reduction on all ticket prices for Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027, alongside free entry for kaumātua aged 70 years and over, ensuring the national kapa haka festival remains accessible and affordable for whānau.
Effective 4 November 2026, the updated pricing decision was confirmed following a joint review by Te Matatini Chairman Tā Herewini Parata and Te Arataura Chair and Tainui spokesperson Tukoroirangi Morgan.
Both leaders emphasised their shared commitment to easing financial pressures so whānau can gather to celebrate the strength of Māori language, culture, and kapa haka.
Revised Ticket Pricing Structure
- Kaumātua / Seniors (70+ years): Free entry
- Kaumātua / Seniors (65–69 years): $36.00 single-day ticket | $140.00 5-day pass
- Adults / Pakeke (18–64 years): $44.00 single-day ticket | $180.00 5-day pass
- Youth / Taiohi (12–17 years): $32.00 single-day ticket | $140.00 5-day pass
- Children / Tamariki (6–11 years): $24.00 single-day ticket | $100.00 5-day pass
- Infants / Kōhungahunga (0–5 years): Free with a paying adult or senior
Whānau who have already purchased tickets will automatically receive a 20 percent refund on their existing purchases, with processing expected to take up to 10 working days.
(Note: Ticket service fees and payment processing fees apply as pictured above.)
For whānau unable to attend in person there are several ways to stay connected.
Tainui Live will be the host iwi station through the Ngā Reo Irirangi o Tainui Waka collective (Ngā Iwi FM, Raukawa Vibes & Maniapoto FM):
Whakarongo: Kirikiriroa 95.4FM, Hauraki 92.4FM, Coromandel 92.2FM, Tokoroa 90.6FM & 95.7FM, Mangakino 93.2FM, Te Kuiti 91.9FM, Piopio 92.7FM, Waitomo 99.6FM, Waipā 106.2FM, Maniaiti 91.8FM
Aukaha News and its news partners will be the host regional Māori news service with the latest news, kapa profiles and breaking interviews across its platforms.
Performance coverage will be broadcast nationally on TVNZ and Whakaata Māori, with full livestream coverage available throughout all five days of the festival.