WAENGA 2026 ensemble - Hariata Moriarty in the foreground

Out the Gate

19 Jun - 5 Aug

2026

21 venues

Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Heretaunga, Manawatū, Kāpiti, Taranaki, Kāpiti, Whanganui, Wairarapa, Horowhunua
Ka kitea koutou!

Critically acclaimed play

created by Hariata & Tamati Moriarty

directed by Jim Moriarty

Bold, funny,

heartfelt

theatre

tour details

Waenga is a story that centres on a young Māori wahine who is arrested and finds herself in a police holding cell. Determined to make her dream of getting into the School of Music come true, Connie (Hariata Moriarty) rallies against all odds in the pursuit of her destiny. Alongside her journey is Peyton (Brooke Wharehinga), who is coming to understand what a Tangata Tiriti partnership is and Grayson (Tamati Moriarty), a young Māori lawyer. Through the play, they navigate the complexities of the justice system and other characters from their neighbourhood.

Directed by Jim Moriarty, dramaturgy by Helen Pearse-Otene, music by Rameka Tamaki and Reon Te Aorangi Max Rose, choreography by Tānemahuta Gray, and an ensemble of eight talented actors including Mycah Keall, Regan Taylor, Matiu Rata, Rylee Herewini, and Ryan Holtham.

The play is presented in Te Rākau’s unique Theatre Marae framework holding reflection and kōrerō. Join the conversation.

“In today's volatile climate this play is a chance to ask – how do I make my own voice count? How do I make my vote count?” - Jim Moriarty

Te Rākau Hua o Te Wao Tapu
Hūro Productions
Ngāti Toa Rangatira

Waenga is a show that really speaks to Māori and all New Zealanders because it tackles real issues we’re facing together as a country. It shines a light on concerns that communities keep raising with the Government, only to be met with silence or dismissal.

-Theatreview

I hangaia tēnei whakaari arā, ko Waenga, mā ngā rangatahi Māori kia kite ai i a rātou wheako i a rātou whakaaro hoki ki runga i te atamira.

The show Waenga was created so that rangatahi Māori could see their voices and their experiences told on the stage.

-Hariata & Tamati Moriarty (creators)

In today's volatile political climate this play is a chance to ask – how do I make my own voice count? How do I make my vote count?

-Jim Moriarty (director)

There’s something not quite right.

'Grayson' Waenga

All that negativity –it’s a smokescreen.

'Connie' Waenga

I did not see that coming –

'Payton' Waenga

Read reviews and news articles about Waenga

PĀNUI

I've never been so locked in while watching a show! The singing, physical storytelling and raw emotion... incredible! Proud to be Māori ...

Audience member 20/06/2026

"...not only inspirational but the start of a healing journey"

"Mīharo te rongo te reo kia tika te reo, kia rere te reo kia Māori"

"That was a beautiful use of space time and wairua"

Audience members Toi Aro 2026

I loved the interweaving of dance, waiata and drama. I have a lot to reflect on regarding how to truly be a Tangata Tiriti with authenticity and without superficiality.

Audience member 21/06/2026