ration the Queen’s veges

Connor Magatogia is an emerging Polynesian sound designer, musician, and actor based in Tāmaki Makaurau.

In 2024 he graduated from ATC’s Youth Company and Massive’s Nui Ensemble while wrapping up his Bachelor of Arts and Music at the University of Auckland.

This year, he is a member of the 2025 cohort of The Actors Program. Coming from a varied background of sonic and theatrical practices, Connor has sound-designed at Te Pou Theatre for The Handlers and has worked as a session musician on Kōpū.

A proud Equity member, Connor has worked as both an actor and sound designer/operator in the following productions with Auckland Theatre Company (Peter Pan, King Lear, The Excerpts, For Country, The Trials, Future Tense), Massive Theatre Company (Te Ao Hou, S.T.A.R.S), Stray Theatre Company (The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, Low pay! Don’t pay!) and the University of Auckland (The Big Blue Planet Earth Show, Coming out of the Dark, Krapps Last Tape).

Nicole Marsh is a creative individual with a strong connection to her Māori and Chinese heritage. With a passion for art, design, and advocating for indigenous culture, Nicole is making notable contributions in the field of production design, particularly with the Te Pou whānau.

Nicole’s talent and dedication to design became evident in 2022. She was honored with the “NZ Tiny Home Award – Best Creative Design” for her home “Whare Mārama” which recognised exceptional design qualities and innovative approach to sustainable living spaces.

In May 2023 Nicole took residence at Te Pou Theatre under the Te Pou Kaiārahi Mentorship Program, allowing her to further pursue her interests in performing arts.

Nicole strives to elevate the visibility and recognition of Māori and indigenous art forms, ensuring that they receive the appreciation and respect they deserve.

Since 2023 she has contributed to the successes of Kōpū, Chatterbox, King Lear, Hyperspace, Koanga Festival, Te Haerenga a Hoiho, Te Hokinga Mai a Hoiho, The Handlers and Raru e MARUAKAĪTĀ to name a few.

Nicole indulges in various hobbies that showcase her creative spirit and connection to her heritage. A crocheter, painter and practitioner of raranga weaving. She blends contemporary designs with traditional Māori, Pacific and Chinese patterns. Additionally, Nicole finds solace in gardening, nurturing plants that not only beautify her surroundings but also serve as a reminder of the importance of sustainable living.

Bekky Boyce is a non-binary freelance production designer and operator based in Tāmaki Makaurau.

They’ve worked in theatre and dance since 2019, after graduating from Massey University. Recent projects include international tours with Mana Wahine (Ōkāreka Dance Company) and national tours with Ka Mua Ka Muri (Atamira Dance Company).

Bekky regularly operates for Te Pou Theatre and has worked on productions like A  Slow Burlesque, Kōpū, He Huia Kaimanawa, and A Boy Called Piano.

Nominated for Best Lighting Design at the 2022 Wellington Theatre Awards, they’ve been Technical Manager for Tahi Festival since 2021. Passionate about set design and construction, Bekky enjoys solving technical challenges to enhance storytelling on stage and screen.

Lighting Designer Jane Hakaraia is a freelance lighting and set designer based in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Jane is a recipient of the Excellence in Theatre award at the 2014 Auckland Theatre awards and in 2023 was a recipient of the PAANZ Fame Mid-Career award.

Last year she worked on a record 14 shows including Kōpū (Te Rēhia Theatre Company), The Valentina (The Rebel Alliance), Te Tangi a te Tūī (aco-pro between Te Pou Theatre and The Dust Palace), The Effect (Auckland Theatre Company), I Love You G (Massive Company), The Handlers (Te Rēhia Theatre Company), Scenes from the Climate Era (a co-pro between ATC and Silo) and Neke by Scotty Cotter.

Ngahiriwa was raised in the baths of Whakarewarewa under the gaze of Tarawera Maunga, with his Te Arawa heritage instilling a natural connection to the performing arts.

For over two decades, he has been an actor, honing his craft and working alongside some of Aotearoa’s most influential storytellers—those who have paved the way for him to follow. Inspired by their guidance, Ngahiriwa is now expanding his creative journey into directing, writing, producing, and more, seeking to create space for others in the industry.

As a performing artist and passionate advocate for Te Ao Māori, Ngahiriwa embodies his cultural roots in every aspect of his work. Above all, he is a devoted father and partner, grateful for the life and opportunities he has been given.

Roy Iro is an award-winning writer and actor from West Auckland, New Zealand, of Cook Islands descent. He graduated from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in 2021.

In 2021, Iro co-created and performed in FLAMES: A Hip-Hop Musical, earning him the 2021 Wellington Fringe Parkin Development Award, and was presented Best Supporting Actor for the short film In The Depths (2021).

Iro’s screen credits include appearances in the television series Wellington Paranormal (2022) and Time Bandits (2024).

In 2023, Iro was selected for the Q Theatre Residency Programme and Playmarket’s Brown Ink residency (2023), providing him with the opportunity to develop new theatrical works and further hone his craft.

Iro continues to contribute to New Zealand’s performing arts scene, bringing stories that reflect his cultural heritage to the stage and screen.

Tainui Tukiwaho is an experienced theatre maker having worked professionally in te ao whakaari for the past 20 years. He began his career as an actor after graduating from Unitec. Using this skill as a foundation for storytelling, he progressed to directing and writing where – over the past 10 years – he has built a sizable resume.

Tainui observed a lack of Māori voices on our professional stages and quickly adopted and implemented a distinctive style and perspective representative of his cultural background. With this voice he has written, adapted and translated many plays, including Peter, Paka, Paratene, E kore a muri e hokia, Hoki Mai, Tama Ma, Larger than life, Te Awarua and more recently the international sell-out festival show Black Ties.