A new theatre production exploring power, justice and civic participation will open Wellington City Council’s new central-city arts space next month before embarking on a tour across the lower North Island.
Waenga, created by siblings Hariata and Tamati Moriarty and produced by Te Rākau in partnership with Hurō Productions, will run at 3 Market Lane in central Wellington from June 19 to July 5.
The play follows Connie, a young wahine Māori caught in the legislative machinery of police “move-on” orders, as she confronts questions about freedom, identity and survival. Through the experiences of its characters, Waenga challenges audiences to consider their place within systems of power and what it means to participate in civic life.
Director Jim Moriarty said the production arrives at a time when many New Zealanders are questioning how their voices can influence decision-making.
“In today’s volatile climate this play is a chance to ask, how do I make my own voice count? How do I make my vote count?” Moriarty said.
Waenga premiered at the Kia Mau Festival and has since been presented to hundreds of secondary school students around the country. The latest version expands on the original production with additional music, action and discussion through Te Rākau’s Theatre Marae approach.
The work was developed with input from rangatahi, helping to ensure the experiences and perspectives portrayed on stage reflect issues facing young people today.
Hariata and Tamati Moriarty said the play was created to give rangatahi Māori an opportunity to see themselves represented.
“The show Waenga was created so that rangatahi Māori could see their voices and their experiences told on the stage,” they said.
The production explores themes of systemic inequality, racism, justice and hope through the intersecting experiences of young people seeking change both inside and outside existing institutions.
The cast features Hariata Moriarty, Tamati Moriarty, Mycah Keall, Regan Taylor, Brooke Wharehinga, Matiu Rata, Rylee Herewini and Ryan Holtham, with music by Rameka Tamaki.
Following its Wellington season, Waenga will tour to Porirua, Upper Hutt, Wainuiomata, Hawke’s Bay, Horowhenua, Taranaki and other communities across the lower North Island. Performances will be staged not only in theatres but also in marae, schools, universities and community centres.
A radio adaptation of the production has also been produced by Radio New Zealand and is expected to air on Culture 101 and be available online in June.
Tickets are available through Eventfinda, with further tour information available from Te Rākau. www.eventfinda.co.nz/tours-festivals/2026/waenga
