Category: Koanga Festival

Grass Roots is a semi-autobiographical musical comedy based on Raureti Ormond’s life as the (very) queer son of a pro rugby player. It’s a heartfelt, hilarious and charming odyssey through the NZ rugby ages.

Ihirangaranga is a one of a kind cultural and artistic experience bringing together taonga puoro, live music, spoken word, and real-time painting.

A stunning evening of opera, waiata, poetry and prose. An unfurling of te reo Māori on the stage to mark the opening of Kōanga Festival 2026.

Be immersed in the heart of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa with UPU. An award-winning, dynamic and electrifying theatre experience. UPU weaves together the stories, experiences and perspectives of Tangata Moana from across our vast ocean.

Wai Tawhito invokes oceanic origins of ritual challenging the perception of time created by Tūrongo Collectives Mierewai & Te Wehi Kore Karena & channeled by Te Whānau Āio.

New scripts and your favourite ‘sip’ to celebrate new works for the stage by Maioha Allen and Reon Te Aorangi Max Rose, Huia Max Rose & Parekawa Finlay

A free writing wānanga for Māori writers who are interested in developing their storytelling practice in te reo Māori.

I Was Born To Speak, a solo show blending spoken word, theatre and kapa haka to shine a light on the silencing of te reo Māori in Aotearoa.

A Māori comedy night, expect sharp tongues, quick wit, a room full of whānau and laughter that echoes long after the lights go down.
A celebration of Māori comedy, bringing together some of the funniest voices in the motu for one unforgettable night.

A fun-filled, free day for the whole whānau! Storytelling from Aotearoa and Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa, kapa haka, cultural performances, kēmu, arts activities, kai and more.

New scripts and your favourite ‘sip’ to celebrate new works for the stage by Ellen-Moana Smith, Poe Tiare Tararo & Roy Iro this Kōanga Festival.