25 Feb 2013

Event needs better promotion - Governor General

6:38 am on 25 February 2013

The Governor General has praised the biggest national biennial Maori performing arts festival - describing it as perfection, but says the events needs to better publicised.

Te Matatini showcases excellence in several kapa haka disciplines, including poi and haka, end in Rotorua on Sunday afternoon after four days of competition.

The Auckland haka team, Te Waka Huia, was named the overall winner - outbidding the 2011 winner, Te Arawa group, Te Matarae i o Rehu.

It's the first time the Governor-General, Lieutenant-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, has attended Te Matatini and described the final day of performances as flawless.

But he said more could've been done to promote it.

He said some American tourists he met did not even know about Te Matatini and it would have been nice for people like them to experience the festival.

However, Sir Jerry said he understands efforts to raise publicity are being made ahead of the next competition in 2015.

In response, Te Matatini Society Incorporated, said the competition has been well-publicised both internationally and nationally through the use of the internet, newspapers, television and radio.

The next Te Matatini in 2015 will be hosted by Ngai Tahu in Christchurch.