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
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.
Amongst this kōrerō is a discussion about the role of civics and government policy on ordinary people, led by our rangatahi supported by our rangatira 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
Tour details: 19 June - 5 August 2026
Tickets: $30 | $20 | $10 | extra aroha $50
Ticket prices vary by region. Get in touch for a commuity deal.
Recommended age 12+ contains swearing and depicts some violence.
Children under 12 can accompany for free with a paying adult.
Opening night selling fast
108 Strathmore Avenue, Strathmore Park
Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington
Tue 15 Jul, 6.30pm
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