Autaia Unveils Two Nights of Rangatahi-Led Haka Theatre
Haka Theatre showcase, Autaia is back and this time, it’s twice as exciting. For the first time, it will span two evenings giving more schools and kura than ever a chance to unleash their ihi, wehi and wana on stage.
Returning to Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 August, Autaia 2025 will feature 12 schools and kura from Tāmaki Makaurau, Te Tai Tokerau and, for the first time, Waikato. Presented by Hawaiki TŪ and Auckland Live (a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited), this year’s event embraces the theme ‘He Hawaiki Hou - A Return, A Renewal, A Rising’.
Founder and Artistic Director of Autaia, Kura Te Ua, says that it’s humbling to see how Autaia is evolving and the impact it’s having on rangatahi, their kura, and wider communities.
“This year we’ve found ways to keep the kaupapa growing. Our rangatahi deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Autaia creates space for them to stand confidently in their own light and unapologetically express who they are and who they are becoming,” says Te Ua.
The new two-night format introduces new categories which will showcase high-impact performances. Each school will present an original haka theatre piece, conceptualised, choreographed and performed by the students. The three creative categories include:
Haka Bracket: Haka infused with theatrical storytelling
Haka Musical: Haka blended with song, drama, and characterisation
Haka Movement: Storytelling through Haka Movement and choreography
With NCEA credits, mentorship from industry professionals, and a platform to showcase their talents on stage and behind the scenes, Autaia celebrates identity, artistry and rangatahi leadership.
“As part of our extension plan, we’re excited to welcome our first kura from Waikato to the Autaia stage. Their unique style and deep connection to their hapori bring fresh energy to the kaupapa, showing that haka theatre connects and empowers rangatahi far beyond Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Te Ua.
“Through bold creativity and the lived experiences of rangatahi, each Autaia performance becomes a powerful expression of te ahurea Māori and a reminder that He Hawaiki Hou is within our reach,” Te Ua adds.
“Autaia shows what’s possible when we back our taiohi-rangatahi and the creative sector,” says Helen Te Hira, Director of Māori Outcomes at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
“As the region’s cultural agency, we’re proud to support Autaia alongside senior Māori creatives as it grows into a bold, future-focused platform. Through Auckland Live, we help create spaces — on stage, behind the scenes, and beyond — where taiohi-rangatahi can thrive, lead, and shape the creative future of Aotearoa”.
Tickets are now on pre-sale for Autaia 2025, promising to be an unmissable showcase of the next generation of storytellers redefining haka theatre. Schools and kura performing at Autaia 2025 are:
Tāmaki Makaurau
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae
Ngā Tūmanako o Kahurangi - Auckland Girls’ Grammar
Te Whānau o Tupuranga - Kia Aroha Campus
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kōtuku
Te Kura Tuarua o Pukekohekohe
Massey High School
Ngā Puna o Waiōrea
Te Tai Tokerau
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rāwhitiroa
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe
Te Rangi Āniwaniwa
Waikato
Ngā Taiātea Wharekura
Autaia takes place at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, on Thursday 28 August & Friday 29 August 2025, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Tickets go on sale to the General Public on Thu 17 July, 9am from: www.ticketmaster.co.nz/artist/3177440?did=hawaiki
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