Ngāti Whātua welcomes you on a theatrical journey of love, war, loss, and destiny through the eyes and mind of the eponymous ancestor, Apihai Te Kawau.
He aha te hau e wawara mai, he tiu, he raki
Nāna i ā mai te pūpūtarakihi ki uta
E tikina atu e au te kōtiu
Ko ia te pou whakairo
Ka tū ki Waitematā i ōku wairangi e
HE AHA TE HAU is a groundbreaking theatrical event that uniquely fuses ancient ritual and incantations through storytelling, haka, waiata, and karakia. Spatial design, lighting, soundscape, and costume design blend effortlessly to take the audience on a magical journey of love, war, loss, and destiny.
HE AHA TE HAU bridges the past and the present, creating a transformative experience for all. We step back in time to witness the world of Ngāti Whātua through the eyes and mind of Apihai Te Kawau. We see his parents joined in the pākuha marriage ceremony, his ascendency to leadership, the revealing of a prophesy, the signing of Te Tiriti, and finally his last days reflecting on his life and the times of his people.
HE AHA TE HAUis the first of a series of activations that celebrate our unique identity through theatre, song and dance. Elements of our history are revealed in this production across three vignettes.
Executive Producer Huia Pihema says HE AHA TE HAU has provided a wonderful opportunity to upskill and build capacity across the hapū and iwi, under the tutelage of Kura Te Ua, Majic Pāora and our ringatohu, Tamati Patwai.”
HE AHA TE HAU resonates on so many levels as a story-telling tool, a place of pride for our people and a training ground for the next generation of Whātua” says Director Tamati Patuwai.
“We are thrilled with the journey so far and our cast and crew can’t wait to share this taonga with our people” says Joe Pihema, HE AHA TE HAU Producer and Script Writer.
Presented By:
Tumutumuwhenua Cultural Trust & Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
Creative Team:
Choreographer: Kura Te Ua
Waiata Mentor: Majic Pāora
Script Writers: Joe Pihema & Tamati Patuwai
Cultural Advisors: Joe Pihema & Te Kurataiaho Kapea
Director: Tamati Patuwai
Executive Producer: Huia Pihema
Producer: Joe Pihema
Sponsors:
Creative New Zealand
Audience warnings:
Emotional themes and music are present. A karakia and whakatau will be held at the start of the performance for spiritual safety and support.
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