Te Pou Theatre’s Kōanga Festival 2026 presents

AROHA-HA

A celebration of Māori comedy, bringing together some of the funniest voices in the motu for one unforgettable night.

Āhea | When

Kei hea | Where

Utu | Cost

Roanga | Duration

Experience

Themes

Reo | Language

Age Restrictions

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Kaupapa | About

Get ready for a night of big laughs, quick wit and Māori comedy at its finest.

Headlined by the incomparable Kura Forrester, AROHA-HA brings together some of Aotearoa’s funniest Māori performers for one unforgettable night of stand-up, improvisation and pure hilarity.

 

Joining the lineup are the quick-thinking maestros Timprovise, the effortlessly funny Janaye Henry and quirky crack-up Hoani Hotene with more brilliant comics still to be announced.

 

Inspired by Aroha Awarau, a beloved comedian, storyteller (and so much more) whose laugh was often heard before he was seen, AROHA-HA is a Kōanga Festival first, bringing whānau, friends and comedy lovers together for a night of laughter and connection. We reckon he’d be disappointed if everyone behaved themselves. So don’t.

 

Expect stand-up, improv, outrageous stories and plenty of unexpected moments. One night only. Come ready to laugh.

Ngā Tangata | Cast & Creatives

Picture of Janaye Henry

Janaye Henry

Curator & Comedian

Picture of Kura Forrester

Kura Forrester

Comedian

Picture of Kura Turuwhenua

Kura Turuwhenua

Comedian

Picture of Jthan Morgan

Jthan Morgan

MC

Picture of Timprovise

Timprovise

Comedian

Picture of Hoani Hotene

Hoani Hotene

Comedian

Tīkiti | Tickets

$45 Tīkiti Tautoko (This unsubsidised ticket price supports Te Pou Theatre)

$32 Pakeke (Adult)

$28 Kaumātua & Hapori (Senior & Community Services Card)
$28 Rōpū (6+)

$24 Tauira (Student ticket)

*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.

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