Waenga
The critically acclaimed play, Waenga, created by sister and brother Hariata and Tamati Moriarty, is touring this July. The piece was borne from a series of interviews conducted with high schoolers from across the Wellington region, asking young people about their ideas on systems of power, and what it means to take part in civic life. Performed alongside a cast of fellow young artists and directed by Jim Moriarty, this Te Rākau presentation invites audiences to enjoy the beautiful music, dance, humour, and drama of theatre marae.
Caught in the legislative machinery of “move-on” orders, Connie, a young wahine Māori, finds herself in a police holding cell where everything is in question: her freedom, her future, and whether survival is even possible in today’s political landscape. Witnessing the inequity of Connie’s experience, her friend Peyton begins to realise what a Tangata Tiriti partnership really means, while Grayson, a young Māori lawyer, navigates a justice system that demands more than it gives.
For this tour, Te Rākau are bringing Waenga beyond the theatre into schools, marae, community centres, universities, and more. Check the ticket link to find a performance near you!
Currently performing the Pōneke run until July 5th, after which they'll be touring the following destinations: Te Ūpoko o Te Ika (Wellington Region), Horowhenua, Manawatū-Whanganui, Taranaki, Kāpiti, Heretaunga (Hawke’s Bay), and Wairarapa, until August 5th, 2026.
Recommended for senior students and younger teens with their families.
Te Rākau are doing schools shows as part of our tour.
Find more information at terakau.org, and available tickets for all tour dates here: