Pūkana

Join us for a free, two-night creative showcase of rangatahi encapsulating the kaupapa of loss, grief, and compassion. Hear rap, poetry and spoken word.

Come and hear Paul Diamond, lead curator for the Pūkana exhibition, talk about the background to this exciting new exhibition. Pūkana celebrates Māori performance across time.

A children’s production in te reo Māori, 'Te Kuia Me Te Pūngāwerewere' is devised from Patricia Grace’s classic story book 'The Kuia and The Spider'.

Tina Cross and Carl Doy in conversation with Paul Diamond before their evening performance, marking the 40th anniversary of their win at the Pacific Song Contest, with ‘Nothing But Dreams’.

Tina Cross and Carl Doy reunite to celebrate a part of pop culture history — 'Nothing But Dreams' and their 1979 Pacific Song Contest victory. The glamorous Lady Killer and Piano By Candlelight star are set to take you on an unforgettable musical journey.

The 2019 Lilburn Lecture sees esteemed New Zealand composer Dame Gillian Whitehead (Ngāi te Rangi) speak of the origin of ngā taonga puoro, their revival, and how she has used these traditional Māori musical instruments in her work. The lecture will include a performance by Bridget Douglas and Alistair Fraser.

Come and explore Pūkana, our new exhibition all about Māori performance! We’ve got a great lineup of performances and activities for you and the whānau including: kapa haka, taonga pūoro, harakeke weaving, storytelling in te reo, and many more!

Jim Moriarty, Aneta Pond and Helen Pearse-Otene of Te Rakau Trust discuss their journey to create a Theatre Marae experience.

Be inspired by a tour through the ‘Pūkana: moments in Māori performance’ exhibition and make your own poi to take home. Watch a poi demonstration and learn how to perform with them.

Book the tamariki in to be inspired by a family-friendly tour of the exhibition ‘Pūkana: moments in Māori performance’ at 10am. Then stay for a workshop about Māori wind instruments and make your own to take home. This event is fully booked.

Be inspired by a tour through the ‘Pūkana: moments in Māori performance’ exhibition and make your own poi to take home. Watch a poi demonstration and learn how to perform with them.

Howie Tamati MBE and Tony Kemp — Haka and New Zealand Kiwis Rugby League.

Be inspired by a tour through the ‘Pūkana: moments in Māori performance’ exhibition, then join in a mau rākau (Māori martial art) workshop with matua Whaitiri Poutawa learning about Māori weaponry and combat stances. This event is fully booked.

Come and see Jan Bieringa film ‘Te Hono ki Aotearoa’, listen to a panel discussion and reflect over refreshments hosted by the Dutch Embassy, supported by the National Library.

Bring the whānau to see author interviews, make your own mini book, write secret notes to leave in library books, and more at this festival for children and young adults. Curated by Bret McKenzie for New Zealand Festival of the Arts.

Come and celebrate the launch of the groundbreaking ‘Solid Air: Australia & New Zealand Spoken Word anthology’. Featuring Jordan Hamel, Te Kahu Rolleston, Tayi Tibble, Ben Brown, Anahera Gildea as well as guests from Australia Laniyuk and Laura Jean McKay.