Hardcase Hori Housie

by Rutene Spooner
Opening Event for Kōanga Festival 2025

Āhea | When

Kei hea | Where

Utu | Cost

Roanga | Duration

Experience

Themes

Reo | Language

Share

Facebook
Twitter

Kaupapa | About

The ultimate throwback to Aotearoa’s favourite community fundraiser: Housie.

It’s the final community fundraiser, and somehow Rutene Spooner has ended up in charge — armed with nothing but his nan’s scribbled instructions and a vague memory of the rules. Part theatre, part chaos, Hardcase Hori Housie is a cheeky throwback to community halls, meat-pack raffles, and singalongs your aunty still belts out. Featuring live music, special guests, rogue calls, and a story packed with mischief and nostalgia — Hardcase Hori Housie is just like bingo… but brown. 

 

Artist Bio

Rutene Spooner is a dynamic performer whose career spans musical theatre, cabaret, screen, and kapa haka. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) in 2009, he has performed in major productions including Billy Elliot (NZ premiere), Jersey Boys (AUS tour), Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors, and Jekyll & Hyde (Australasian premiere) to name a few.

Described by the NZ Herald as “a mainstay of the Auckland cabaret scene,” Rutene is also known for his original works like Super Hugh-Man, Thoroughly Modern Māui, and Be Like Billy?, which have toured nationally and internationally.

 

He has voiced characters in Disney Reo Māori versions of Frozen, Coco, Encanto, and most recently Moana 2, and was awarded the 2023 Grant Tilly Actor of the Year at the Wellington Theatre Awards.

 

Beyond the stage, he works as a creative producer, director, and vocal coach. He is a proud member of the Modern Māori Quartet, a kaihaka with Te Kapa Haka o Whāngārā-Mai-Tāwhiti, and a proud union member of NZ Actors’ Equity.

 
 

Hardcase Hori Housie Performance History

2021 | World Buskers Festival, Christchurch, New Zealand 
2021 | Auckland Live Cabaret Season, Auckland, New Zealand 
2022 | Auckland Live, Auckland, New Zealand

Ngā Tangata | Cast & Creatives

Picture of Rutene Spooner

Rutene Spooner

Kaiwhakaari | Actor

Picture of Benjamin Kilby-Henson

Benjamin Kilby-Henson

Ringatohu | Director

Picture of Bekky Boyce

Bekky Boyce

Designer

Picture of Māia Huia

Māia Huia

Musician

Picture of Paige Pomama

Paige Pomama

Audio Engineer

Picture of Bray Jeffrey

Bray Jeffrey

Musical Direction

Picture of Rhohil Kishore

Rhohil Kishore

Musician

Picture of Renee Wiki

Renee Wiki

Stage Manager

Tīkiti | Tickets

All tickets to this event are General Admission and are currently available online. 

Please note: seating is a mixture of cabaret tables and row seats. This is on a first in first served basis.

$50 Tīkiti Tautoko (This unsubsidised ticket price supports Te Pou Theatre)

$35 Pakeke (Standard Adult Ticket)
$33 Kaumātua (*Gold card)

$33 Tauira (*Student ID required)
$28 Rangatahi (Youth>13yrs)

$33 Rōpū (Group of 6+)

*Proof of claim is required, please have your ID card ready to present when attending the event.

For Tīkiti Tūru Wīra, select ‘Wheelchair Access’ section when booking online, then select a ticket price from the list presented.

If you need assistance with your booking please contact us at booking@tepoutheatre.nz or via phone on (09) 213 0496 during the hours of 9am – 1pm.

NB: Transfers for tickets will not be permitted 

Taenga | Arrival

Our whare is located at Corban estate Arts Centre, 2 Mt Lebanon lane, Henderson, Waitakere.

When you arrive at Corban Estate, follow the signs that lead to our whare.

 

Ways to get here:

🚲 Cycle

There is a scenic cycle way that leads to Corban Estate Arts Centre. Lock your bike up in the bike stand available on site.

🚌 Bus & train

Bus 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.

🚗 Parking

Follow parking directions as you enter into Corban Estate Arts Centre.

 

When you arrive:

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. 

Whakatapoko | Accessibility

Wheelchair and walker accessibility

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

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.

 

Blind & Low vision patrons

For this show we are providing pre-show notes in accessible formats for blind and low vision patrons.

Covid 19 Considerations

If you have any Covid-19 symptoms or have been required to isolate, please stay home.

We encourage you to share the gift of theatre by passing your ticket onto someone else to enjoy if you have to stay home.

Masks are not required, but you are welcome to wear one.

Content Warnings

This show contains adult themes, coarse language, racial slurs & content that may be offensive to some.

Kāore ī ārikarika