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.
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
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Ringatohu | Director
Designer
Musician
Audio Engineer
Musical Direction
Musician
Stage Manager
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
When you arrive at Corban Estate, follow the signs that lead to our whare.
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 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.
Follow 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.
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.
We encourage you to share the gift of theatre by passing your ticket onto someone else to enjoy if you have to stay home.
This show contains adult themes, coarse language, racial slurs & content that may be offensive to some.