This Kōanga, we’re presenting special morning readings of these new works. Your tīkiti to SCRIPTS & SIPS | Kōanga Play-readings Brunch will also include a delicious baked treat with a ‘sip’ on arrival, keeping your puku full while the mind is ignited by new stories.
Join us to celebrate the work of Maioha Allen and his script ‘Te Kuia me te Tuatara – Te Mauri o Te Whenua’ as well as Reon Te Aorangi Max Rose, Huia Max Rose & Parekawa Finlay and their script ‘T-HEI’. Developed as a part of the Kōanga Playwright Programme 2026
‘Te Kuia me te Tuatara – Te Mauri o Te Whenua’
By Maioha Allen
Te reo Māori script
Tīmata ana ngā tohu te whakatinana i tana māra, he ota parahea, he manu ngū, he moemoeā wai-kore anō hoki – Ka whai a Ruhi Rū i tētehi hamumu e ahu mai ana i te wao kū. I konā, tūtaki atu ai ki a Kūrehe te Tuatara, kaitiaki tūāki o te whenua, kua ara mai i tana moe rautau.
E warewaretia ana ngā pūrākau e Te Ngahere. E mimiti ana te mauri e pupuri nei i te rongomaiwhiti o te whenua. E ora anō ai te mauri, me ngana a Ruhi Rū ki te maumahara ki tētehi takutaku kua roa e kore whakamahia ana, kua hunaia i te taiao, te hau, te wai me ngā whetū.
When strange signs begin appearing in her garden – wilting plants, silent birds, and dreams of water running dry – Ruhi Rū follows a whispering wind deep into the bush. There, she meets Kūrehe te Tuatara, the ancient kaitiaki of the land, who has awoken from centuries of slumber.
The forest is forgetting its stories. The Heartstone that holds balance between people and nature is cracking. To restore it, Nan Hine must remember a long-lost karakia (chant), hidden in three natural places – the wind, the water, and the stars.
Together, Ruhi and Kūrehe journey through enchanted parts of Aotearoa’s world, unlocking riddles and calling on the voices of tamariki (the audience) to help. Along the way, they explore kaitiakitanga, whakapapa, and the idea that every voice, no matter how small or old, has the power to protect the future.
‘T-HEI’
By Reon Te Aorangi Max Rose, Huia Max Rose & Parekawa Finlay
Predominantly English script with te reo Māori woven throughout
After a tough conversation with the school principal, Tiamana must spend her final year figuring out what her passions are. Ignoring the signs of her whare tapa whā beginning to crack, she pulls together the first ever M-Pop kapa. Can she lead the team to victory and restore her whare? or does winning even matter in the end?
The Kōanga Playwrights Programme is the beating heart of the festival. Following a 3 month development period of a script, a workshop week with creatives, this is the time where audiences gather to experience the new works being read aloud for the very first time.
Kaituhi
Kaituhi
Dramaturg
Kaituhi
Kaituhi
Script Mentor
Dramaturg
$22 Tīkiti starting price
PWYW = Pay What You Wish (Any amount above $22)
*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.
