Experienced kapa haka leader and seven-time Te Matatini judge Watson Ohia will lead the judging panel at the 2027 National Kapa Haka Festival in Ngāruawāhia.
Experienced kapa haka leader and seven-time Te Matatini judge Watson Ohia will lead the judging panel at the 2027 National Kapa Haka Festival in Ngāruawāhia.
Watson Ohia has been appointed Kaiwhiriwhiri Matua (Chief Judge) for Te Matatini o ngā Taniwha, the 2027 National Kapa Haka Festival.
Te Matatini Chief Executive Carl Ross confirmed the appointment on Monday, 28 September, ahead of the festival at Hopuhopu, Ngāruawāhia, in February 2027.
Ohia will lead the judging panel across the four days of competition and finals day, overseeing the process that determines discipline winners and the overall competition results.
“I am pleased to announce Mr Watson Ohia has accepted the role of Kaiwhiriwhiri Matua for Te Matatini o ngā Taniwha 2027,” Ross said.
Seven festivals of judging experience
Ohia, who has whakapapa connections to Te Atiawa, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Pūkenga, brings extensive experience as both a kapa haka practitioner and judge.
He has served as a judge at seven previous Te Matatini festivals, developing expertise in haka and other competition disciplines.
Ross said the appointment reflected Ohia’s knowledge, leadership and experience.
“The role carries immense responsibility, and I have complete confidence in Mr Ohia fulfilling the duties of Chief Judge due to his involvement as a kapa haka leader, significant knowledge of haka, and his experience as a Te Matatini judge at previous Festivals.”
As Chief Judge, Ohia will be responsible for leading the panel through a competition that brings together kapa haka performers from across Aotearoa.
A background shaped by leading kapa haka figures
Ohia’s involvement in kapa haka extends well beyond judging.
During his time at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, he was mentored by respected kapa haka figures Timoti Kāretu, Te Rita Papesch and Joe Harawira.
He was also a co-founder of the Waikato-based kapa haka rōpū Rangimārie.
His teaching experience includes tutoring at Rākaumanga and Ngā Taiātea, contributing to the development of performers and the passing on of kapa haka knowledge.
That combination of performance, teaching and judging experience forms the foundation of his new role.
Judging panel to be announced
Te Matatini has not yet announced the full panel of judges for the 2027 festival.
Ross said the organisation was looking forward to supporting Ohia and the judges as preparations continue.
“Te Matatini is excited to be supporting Mr Ohia and the panel of judges at Te Matatini o ngā Taniwha which will be announced in the near future.”
The appointment marks another step in preparations for the biennial festival, which will bring kapa haka groups together at Hopuhopu in February.
For Ohia, the role brings a new responsibility to a longstanding involvement in the art form: guiding the judging process at one of Aotearoa’s major celebrations of Māori performing arts.
Photo credit: Te Matatini
Source: Te Matatini media release, 28 September 2026.
