Coming up on Te Karere... The festivities for Te Matatini began with a powerful poi pohiri, unique to the region. Women and men dressed in white welcomed visitors with a stunning display of traditional Maori performance. Former Te Matatini champions have returned to the Olympics of Haka, joining kapa from across Aotearoa and Australia. For the first time in 31 years, the iwi of Taranaki are hosting Te Matatini, the national kapa haka competition. 24 February 2025 Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. The Te Matatini festivities began with a powerful poi powhiri, unique to the region, in which women and men dressed in white welcomed visitors with a stunning display of traditional Maori performance. This poignant ritual was also a symbol of hope and prosperity, setting the tone for a celebratory weekend. We're unable to provide subtitles. We're unable to provide subtitles. We're unable to provide subtitles. We're unable to provide subtitles. The reigning Matatini champions, Te Matatini Herenga Waka, have returned to defend their title. Their challenge comes from kapa haka groups representing every region across Aotearoa, as well as groups from Australia. All teams aspire to claim the prestigious Duncan MacIntyre Ngapo Pimia Wehi Trophy, proving their excellence on the kapa haka stage. Harata Brown spoke with the defending champions and former winners. Harata? We're unable to provide subtitles. We're unable to provide subtitles. We're unable to provide subtitles. Taranaki is hosting the Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival for the first time in 31 years, culminating two years of planning and preparation. The region is set to shine, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and exceptional talent throughout the week of Te Matatini. Let's cross over to our reporter, Potaka Maipi. Where are you, and what are the latest updates? We're unable to provide subtitles. We're unable to provide subtitles. We're unable to provide subtitles. We're unable to provide subtitles. We're unable to provide subtitles. After the break, staying with Te Matatini, emotions ran high as the Mataatua kapa haka groups arrived, carrying the loss of Ricky Mitai and others from their region into the event. Staying with Te Matatini, emotions ran high as the Mataatua kapa haka groups arrived, carrying the loss of Ricky Mitai and others from their region into the event. Additionally, the whanau of Kohine Ponika presented a new taonga. Here's the report from Pukaea. We're unable to provide subtitles. After the break we have the weather. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. That's all we have for today. Turou Hawaiki. Captions were made possible with funding from Te Mangai Paho. Copyright TVNZ 2025.