What is the tikanga and kawa for Te Matatini?
Te Matatini is a biennial national Kapa Haka festival in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The tikanga (customs) and kawa (protocols) followed at Te Matatini emphasize respecting the traditions and practices of Maori culture, including proper behavior, language use, and performance etiquette. This includes protocols around entering and leaving the stage, conducting oneself with humility and respect, and upholding the mana (prestige) of the performers, their group, and their ancestors.