Celebrating Māori excellence

He Toi Whakairo, He Mana Tangata. Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity.
– Dr Piri Sciascia (1946-2020)

We are proud to host a wonderful line-up of Māori artistic excellence across our whole programme – before we can share them all with you, please give a warm welcome to these very special artists: break-out musical talent Theia, and the incomparable Witi Ihimaera with whom we will spend a very special event celebrating his career and contribution to Aotearoa literature.

WITI & FRIENDS GALA NIGHT

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Witi Ihimaera’s Tangi, the first novel written by a Māori author to be published in New Zealand. Join Witi and six fellow Māori writers at this special gala event to celebrate Aotearoa storytelling: Emma Espiner (MC), Vaughan Rapatahana, Ruby Solly, Donna McLeod, Arihia Latham and Airana Ngarewa.

Truly a very special night to remember.

Theatre Royal | Sunday 22 October | 7pm

All our 2023 Pukapuka Talks events are presented by Go Media.

GIRL, IN A SAVAGE WORLD | Theia x Te Kaahu

Celebrated singer-songwriter Theia presents re-imagined songs from her critically acclaimed alt-pop catalogue alongside dreamy waiata from her award-winning reo Māori project Te Kaahu.
Theia’s lyrics are often raw and confrontational, while Te Kaahu explores cultural identity, environment and spirituality. Bringing together both projects for this Aotearoa premiere tour, this powerful songwriter presents music of soaring heights and devastating depths.

Theatre Royal | Saturday 28 October | 6.30pm

GIRL, IN A SAVAGE WORLD is supported by Tohu Wines.