Out the Gate
20 Jun - 2 Aug
2026
19 venues
Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu,
Kāpiti, Taranaki & Whanganui
WAENGA
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. Alongside her journey is Peyton, who is coming to understand what a Tangata Tiriti partnership is and Grayson, a young Māori lawyer. Through the play, they navigate the complexities of the justice system and other characters from their neighbourhood.
With eight performers including well known Moriarty rangatahi Hariata and Tamati Moriarty 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
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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
BOOK TICKETS - from Fri 1 May
Performance dates
20 June - 2 August 2026
Tickets: $30 | $20 | $10 | extra aroha $50
Waenga is recomended for age 14 years old and older
20 Jun - 5 Jul
3 Market Lane, Arts Centre Wellington
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