Kia Pohewatia | To imagine, to dream, to conjure, to create, to envision.
Kia Pohewatia is Atamira Dance Company’s choreographic residency programme dedicated to supporting Māori choreographers in developing new works. Through studio time, mentorship, and collaboration with Atamira artists, this residency offers a space for research, experimentation, and the early shaping of future projects.
As part of the Kōanga Festival, Kia Pohewatia presents two informal sharings—works in progress that are raw, exploratory, and still unfolding. These presentations provide insight into the creative journeys and research behind the pieces.
Join us for two unique showings featuring choreographers Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann and Samara Reweti.
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Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann’s work-in-progress draws on indigenous performance methodologies, activating space through whakapapa, memory, and embodied storytelling. Honouring place-based knowledge and the unique histories within each body, her work creates intimate connections between audiences and whenua through movement and non-linear narratives. This work-in-progress incorporates improvisation, object manipulation and moving images to explore the nested system of Ōpānuku as an alive and evolving force. This presentation includes a sharing of Rachel’s research and insights behind the work-in-progress.
Rachel Ruckstuhl-Mann
Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Rangitāne
Rachel’s roots are in Ōtepoti, Dunedin, where she started exploring the intersections of design, community, performance and ecology through art and performance making, as well as taking an active role for her hapū, Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki. Over the past fifteen years of living and working in Tāmaki Makaurau, she has continued her interdisciplinary practice, making and collaborating with a number of local choreographers and dance makers, as well as teaching across the city, including for Wellesley Studios, Unitec Dance Degree, Auckland University, Touch Compass Dance Company, Dance Plant Collective and Atamira Dance Company. She has facilitated camps, workshops, wānanga and public dance classes both in person and online. Rachel lives in West Auckland with her partner and two daughters, and spends her spare time running around the beaches and wild spaces of Tāmaki Makaurau.
About Atamira Dance Company
Atamira Dance Company is a leading force in Māori contemporary dance, fostering artistic excellence, nurturing talent, and creating transformative experiences that resonate globally. It uplifts, inspires, leads, and celebrates the richness of te ao Māori through performances, collaborations, and advocacy, honouring mātauranga Māori through storytelling that connects celestial wisdom with earthly expression.
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Tickets for all Kōanga Festival shows are available here.
Kaituhi | Writer
Kaitohu | Director
Dramaturg
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaituhi | Writer
Kaituhi | Writer
Kaitohu | Director
Dramaturg
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaituhi | Writer
Kaiwhakaari
Kaiwhakaari
All tickets to this event are General Admission and are currently available online.
General Tickets
$10 – General Admission
If you need assistance with your booking please contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz
When you arrive at Corban Estate, follow the signs that lead to our whare.
CycleThere is a scenic cycle way that leads to Corban Estate Arts Centre. Lock your bike up in the bike stand available on site.
Bus & trainBus and train links arrive at Henderson Transport Centre, which is within walking distance to our whare. Check the public transport route in your area to plan your trip.
ParkingFollow parking directions as you enter into Corban Estate Arts Centre.
The Te Kōpua foyer, bar, kauta and pae tīkiti will be open 1 hour before show time. 
Our Bar serves a full range of beverages (non alcoholic and alcoholic) and snacks.
Our Kauta will be open for tasty bites before the show including steamed hāngī buns from The Hāngī Master, a vegetarian platter and a selection from ‘I Love Pies’.
🎟️ Our Pae Tīkiti (Box Office) will be open for ticket sales and pick ups.
Note: We no longer accept cash payments but welcome all major cards and paywave.
Our whare is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers.
To ensure you have the best visiting experience, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz about your access needs so we can anticipate your visit.
Please note, your walker will need to be stored away during the performance so that it’s not a trip hazard to other patrons. An usher will return your walker to you whenever you need it.
Service animals are welcome at our whare. If you’re bringing a service animal to an event, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz before your visit so we can anticipate your arrival.
We encourage you to share the gift of theatre by passing your ticket onto someone else to enjoy if you have to stay home.
