Grass Roots | Kōanga Festival 2026
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,
Te piko o te whakaaro, te tupu o te whakaari, tākiritia!
Our 12th Festival is a time to celebrate the beauty and audacity of our creative natives and Tangata Moana mates in these trying financial and political times. Set against the bleak and extremely challenging financial and political landscape, our story makers spring forth with new ideas, they continue to keep their stories alive and thriving. This year’s festival programme hums with vibrant new voices and new showcases alongside acclaimed established artists and stories.
Kōanga will be a bright burst of energy and life filled with a smorgasbord of shows and experiences. Check out the 2026 Kōanga Festival Programme…
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,
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
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
Wai Tawhito invokes oceanic origins of ritual challenging the perception of time created by Tūrongo Collectives Mierewai & Te Wehi Kore Karena & channeled by
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
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
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.
