Helen Pearse-Otene

Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Ruanui

a women stares softely but feircey at the camera, she has a feather in her wavey black hair and a green long sleeved top

kaitUHI, kaihuawaere

Helen Pearse-Otene (Rongomaiwahine, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Kuri, Ngāti Ruanui) is a psychologist, theatre practitioner, veterans advocate, and researcher.

She completed her undergraduate studies in Māori and Performing Arts at Te Herenga Waka (VUW) and Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School, and then went on to gain her PhD in Psychology at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa (Massey).

Helen's work as a writer (kaituhi) and facilitator (kaihuawaere) has formed the heart of Te Rākau Theatre's creative work since 1999. Her writing has been described by critics as mythical, exquisite, uncompromising, stirring, richly textured, insightful, humorous, and magical.

'She is a consummate dramatist whose work is, I believe, destined for classical status.'

- John Smythe, Theatreview

Away from the theatre, Helen works in kaupapa Māori health services where she co-facilitates non-violence groups, collaborates on community health research, and provides counselling in trauma and addiction.

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review

'Powerful, profound, haunting, healing'

hugging herself a young women sits on stage under a wooden swing with rope handles