Ngāti Whātua welcomes you to the second development of He Aha Te Hau, 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.
This is the second development of HE AHA TE HAU, a series of activations that celebrate our unique identity through theatre, song and dance. Elements of our history are revealed in this production, this time across five vignettes.
Presented By:
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
Creative Team:
Choreographer: Kura Te Ua
Script Writers: Baylee Watene, Joe Pihema & Tāmati Patuwai
Cultural Advisors: Joe Pihema
Director: Huia Pihema & Kura Te Ua
Executive Producer: Huia Pihema
Producer: Joe Pihema
Sponsors:
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
