A story of how one action can inspire change in unlikely places.
In December 2023, the group ‘Te Waka Hourua’ sparked public furore when they painted over the English Treaty of Waitangi Exhibition at Te Papa to read… “No. Her Majesty the Queen of England the alien. ration the Queens veges.”
This “redaction action” provoked strong opinions across Aotearoa – some sang their praises, others called for blood. This uplifting new one-man play is inspired by true events, and shares the remarkable experience of the abseiling activist during his 48 hours at Rimutaka Prison. ration the Queen’s veges is a story of how one action can inspire change in unlikely places. It is a story about the quiet voice of defiance that still burns within us even when we are silenced. A piece of gum and Brian, Te Wehi’s ingenious cellmate, were all that was needed to fan the flames and hear them roar.
Presented by Te Pou Theatre in partnership with Auckland Arts Festival 2025.
Content Warnings:
This show contains coarse language that may be offensive to some.
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaituhi | Writer
Ringatohu | Director
Operator & AV Support
Kaihoahoa tūrama |
Lighting Designer
AV Designer
Kaituhi | Writer
Sound Designer
Kaihoahoa pae whakaari | Set Designer
Kaihoahoa kahu whakaaari | Costume Designer
Props
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaituhi | Writer
Ringatohu | Director
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Kaiwhakaari | Actor
Stage Manager
Operator
Set Designer
Sound Designer
Kaiwhakahaere Whakaari | Producer
All tickets to this event are General Admission and are currently available online.
$50 Tīkiti Tautoko (This unsubsidised ticket price supports Te Pou Theatre)
$50 Opening Night tīkiti including post show hosting – only ticket type available
$35 Pakeke (Standard Adult Ticket)
$28 Kaumātua (*Gold card)
$25 Tauira (*Student ID required)
$25 Hāpori (*Community Services card, *Equity Member)
$25 Whānau Turi (Deaf community)
$25 Whānau Matapō (Blind community) – Free companion with this ticket purchase
$20 Rangatahi (Youth>13yrs)
$20 Tamaiti (Youth<13yrs)
$30 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.
When you arrive at Corban Estate, follow the signs that lead to our whare.
CycleThere is a scenic cycle way that leads to Corban Estate Arts Centre. Lock your bike up in the bike stand available on site.
Bus & trainBus 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.
ParkingFollow 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.
