Theatre Marae in Porirua 2025
Written by Hariata and Tamati Moriarty of Hurō Productions, this theatre play unfolds through the experiences of Connie, a fiery, quick-witted young wahine caught in the crossfire of chasing her dreams and an unexplainable visit to a place she doesn't belong. Alongside her is Grayson, a junior defence lawyer navigating the complexities of the legal system while trying to uphold his identity and mana motuhake.
At the heart of this presentation of Waenga is a celebration of rangatahi age 14 and up stepping into the Theatre Marae space. Te Rākau’s rangatahi programme in Porirua nurtures young people to grow their skills and confidence as performers, storytellers, and collaborators. Their voices are powerful and considered, where we unpack questions of identity and the realities of encountering systems around us. The vitality and energy of rangatahi, guided by Te Rākau’s kaupapa and approach, creates work that is bold, challenging, and full of hope.
The reviewer from the Kia Mau presentation of Waenga, Nitika Erueti-Satish had this to say:
"Even though the show tackles some heavy topics, it is full of clever and funny moments that break up the intensity and keep us fully engaged. Every scene brings something new — there is never a dull or repetitive moment."
Waenga ki Porirua is directed by Jim Moriarty assisted by a team of Te Rākau kaimahi. We are proud to be collaborating with Aotea College, who are a major part of bringing this project to life with their spaces and tautoko. We are very grateful for the support of Creative New Zealand, Nikau Foundation, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, Wellington Community Fund and Wellington City Council who have supported this project to happen.
The Theatre Marae environment challenges students to develop skills in a variety of areas, including lateral thinking, self awareness, resilience, time management, inter-personal communication, fitness and text analysis.
The outcome is an enriching experience for audience members, performers and families. Students achieve NCEA credits and experiences that feed into all aspects of their lives and future careers.
Rangatahi Cast
Christian MacDonald Year 11 Aotea College
Ian Dariagan-Johns Mana College
Lucy Price Year 11 Aotea College
Madison Steffert Year 10 Mana College
Abigail Vincent Year 11 Aotea College
Alexis Olsen Year 9 Te Kura o Toa
Miriam Siave Year 10 Bishop Viard
Te rākau kaimahi
Creative Credits
Jim Moriarty - Director
Dylan Fa'atui - Assistant Director / Stage Manager
Kauia Moriarty - Producer
Hariata Moriarty - Lead Facilitator / Actor / Writer
Tamati Moriarty - Lead Facilitator / Actor / Writer
Jesse Duckworth - Lead Facilitator
Rameka Tamaki - Musician / Facilitator
Kamaia Bainbridge-Frost - Comms and Social Media
Rylee Herewini - Choreography
Kimberly Skipper- Vocal Coach
Janis Cheng - Lighting
Mihi / Acknowlegments
Ka rere to mātou mihi ki ngā kai tautoko - we would like to thank Aotea College, whose partnership and generosity in sharing their spaces and tautoko have been central to bringing this project to life. We also acknowledge the support of Creative New Zealand, Nikau Foundation, Hutt Mana Charitable Trust, Wellington Community Fund, and Wellington City Council, whose contributions have enabled this project to proceed.
when
6pm Wednesday 24 September
2pm & 6pm Thursday 25 September
where
Aotea College Auditorium - Te Manawa, Aotea College
Okowai Road, Aotea, Porirua, New Zealand
Ticket types
General admission (full price) - inc booking fee $15.90
Concession (youth, unwaged) - inc booking fee $10.50
Ticket reservation door sale also available CASH ON ARRIVAL
About waenga AND HURŌ
First presented at the Kia Mau Festival in 2025, Waenga is the work of Hurō Productions, created by Hariata and Tamati Moriarty. They grew up in Te Rākau as their parents are Helen Pearse-Otene and Jim Moriarty.
Hariata and Tamati created Waenga after interviewing school age rangatahi and their peers at university. They saw theatre as a way of provoking thinking and sharing experiences from a young person perspective. Hurō is the new production company of Hariata and Tamati, who are experienced actors in their early 20s with a few film and TV credits as well as theatre roles to their name. They are emerging producers and playrights. Jim directed Waenga, and Helen supported as dramaturge. Te Rākau are mentoring Hurō in producing aspects such as scheduling, contracting and budgeting.
"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." (Nitika Erueti-Satish , May 2025)
Waenga was a critical success at the Kia Mau Festival followed by a schools season, and they have plans for 2026. The Hurō version of Waenga is perfromerd by Hariata and Tamati and they are joined on-stage by talented musician Rameka Tamati.
"Rameka Tamaki’s music and composition are beautifully done and play a big role in guiding the story." (Nitika Erueti-Satish , May 2025)
Link to the full review by Nitika Erueti-Satish
