THE BATTALION
Te Rākau in-school Theatre Marae programme,
a holistic learning experience.
2027
Over Term 1 and the beginning of Term 2 of 2027, (see Key Dates), Te Rākau and Horowhenua College are collaborating to offer rangatahi the unique experience to be in the play The Battalion. Written by Helen Pearse-Otene, it is a play about rangatahi, weaving experiences from the 28th Maori Battalion with contemporary concerns. It has friendship and loyalty, where the adventure of war is played out to the bitter end
Te Rākau has been working in theatre-in-education with The Battalion for over ten years. Rangatahi learn about history and about themselves while being guided and challenged in Te Rākau's Kaupapa Māori process.
Hear from Te Rākau about The Battalion
RANGATAHI
The production has given me a layer of confidence not only in the theatre world but also outside of the stage in real life.
RANGATAHI
I’ve learnt so much about not just theatre and acting but tīkanga in the way we work with each other in Te Rākau.
RANGATAHI
They have treated us with the upmost respect and supported us through this journey.
Testimonials from The Battalion
Hear from Te Rākau facilitators and participants from past projects with rangatahi. Waenga 2026, Out the Gate 2025, Waenga ki Porirua 2025
Key Dates
Te rākau are inviting rangatahi to commit to an enriching experience. here are the key dates for young people and their caregivers.
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2026 SESSIONS
Rangatahi and whānau sessions to learn about Te Rākau and our process. Hear about the opportunity of The Battaion project in 2027 and ask questions.
SESSION ONE
Whakapapa Workshop & Information Session
22 September 2026
Horowhenua College.
A theatre-based workshop for rangatahi led by Te Rākau facilitators and a presentation with session for rangatahi, their whānau and teachers to learn more about what is involved in The Battalion 2027
WHEN: Tuesday 22 September
-
12:30pm - 4.00pm - Workshop
-
4.00pm - 5.00pm - Break
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2027 REHEARSAL DATES
TERM ONE
Most Saturday and Sunday Starting Saturday 30 January
09:30 am - 04:30 pm
We are rehearsing on Waitangi Day Saturday February 6,
no rehearsals over Easter Weekend break.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS END OF TERM ONE
Week 1: Sun 11 Apr - Thur 15 Apr
09:30 am - 04:30 pm
Week 2: Sun 18 Apr - Thur 22 Apr
09:30 am - 04:30 pm
NOTE: As we are in our planning phase there might be some adjustements to these dates. The dates and times will be confirmed in Term 4 2026
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2027 PERFORMANCE DATES
The Battalion is performed to schools and local hapori over Week One of Term Two
DRESS REHEARSAL
Sunday 25 April
PERFORMANCES
Monday 26 April through to Saturday 1 May
