Growth of rangatahi in 'Waenga'
- TE RĀKAU
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
Waenga ki Porirua 24–25 Sept 2025
Aotea College Auditorium - Te Manawa, Aotea College, Aotea Porirua, Aotearoa
A theatre play written by Hariata and Tamati Moriarty of Hurō Productions, directed by Jim Moriarty and performed by school age rangatahi held in Te Rākau's Theatre Marae process alongside experienced performers. The play is about misconceptions and assumptions and set in a holding cell where a rangathi has been arrested. The play was created by Hariata and Tamati Moriarty and directed by Jim Moriarty. Over term three 2025, a group of rangatahi rehearsed under the Theatre Marae model, grounded in kaupapa Māori and community storytelling, and then performed Waenga during the first week of the school holidays.
Countdown to opening: How are the rangatahi feeling now that opening night is just around the corner?
“Excited! It feels like the journey has gone so fast, we can’t believe it’s coming to an end.” (Rangatahi participant)
The rangatahi have grown enormously through this process. Their confidence has lifted, their performance skills have developed, and although there are some nerves, there’s a strong sense of readiness and pride as they head towards opening night. (Kauia Moriarty, Kaiwhahaere Kaupapa)
Rehearsals: What has been the biggest change or growth you’ve seen in the students during the rehearsal process?
“I’ve learned how to manage my health and energy better. Having structured rehearsal times and clear layouts of the day really helps - it teaches us how to manage our time and develop the play.” (Rangatahi participant)
The biggest change has been seeing rangatahi believe in themselves. They’ve had real breakthroughs in confidence, pushing themselves out of their comfort zones, and stretching their performance skills. They’re learning to maintain balance and look after themselves, all while growing their mana motuhake, and to see that happen at such pace has been incredible. (Kauia Moriarty, Kaiwhahaere Kaupapa)
Community connection: Why is it important that this production is staged here in Porirua, with local rangatahi?
“It raises awareness about rangatahi being put in these situations.” (Rangatahi participant)
“Having this expressed by rangatahi shows how important this is. Us being lucky enough to perform this for others means we can uphold the mana of these experiences.” (Rangatahi participant)
Waenga was written by Hurō Productions to express a rangatahi persective. Staging it here in Porirua, performed by local rangatahi, ensures these stories are told with authenticity and deep connection to the community.
Impact: What do you hope the young performers, and the Porirua audience, will take away from Waenga?
The aim is that both performers and audiences feel uplifted, challenged, and inspired by the stories being shared on stage.
“It will offer an educated view on this topic - to educate, heal, transform, and entertain” (Rangatahi participant)
“It gives people something to walk away with and think about.”(Rangatahi participant)
Te Rākau has a long history of working with rangatahi in theatre and aims to incorporate rangatahi initiatives in our programmes most years.
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