The regional season has officially come to an end!

Join us for our recap of Haka Mai 2026 from Te Whanganui-a-Tara, where 13 kapa battled it out for the final four qualifying spots at Te Matatini 2027.

BIG MIHI to our qualifiers:

Te Kapa Haka o Pukeatua

Tū Te Maungaroa

Te Pū Toi Kura

Ngā Tai Whiringa

We break down the standout performances from across the competition, including the rise of Te Pū Toi Kura, the innovative approach of Ngā Tai Whiringa, the powerful return of Tū Te Maungaroa, and the championship-winning campaign of Te Kapa Haka o Pukeatua.

We also reflect on the end of an era for Ngā Taonga Mai Tawhiti who miss Te Matatini qualification for the first time since the kapa was established in 2006, and we discuss the growing strength of the kapa haka movement across Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

PLUS... we share our thoughts on Tērā te Auahi, the latest theatre production by Te Whare Tapere o Te Arawa. An incredible showcase of talent, innovation and storytelling.

The kōrero then turns to the future of kapa haka. How can our artform continue to evolve? What needs to change to ensure we're consistently producing world-class performances, creativity, and that undeniable X-factor? The future is exciting… but where do we go next?

A huge mihi to all the kaihaka, kaiako, kaitito, kaiwhakatangi and kaitautoko who have carried us through another incredible regional season.

Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE e te whānau!

Ngā mihi nui ki a Te Māngai Pāho mō ēnei pūtea tautoko.

#HakaYarns #HakaMai #KapaHaka #TeMatatini2027