Hone and Acacia didn’t grow up in te ao Māori. But they didn’t exactly grow up in te ao Pākehā either. Now nearing their 30s the unusual pair sift through their incense-clogged pasts to make sense of who they are. Hone deep dives into the world of Haare Krishna on the Kāpiti Coast, tales of multi-headed demons, and being told what to dream. Acacia recalls van life, Steiner schools, lizard people, and being on and endless search for answers. We present back-to-back heartwarming, strange and sometimes uncomfortable solo shows that will explain the meaning of everything.
Māori Krishna written and performed by Hone Taukiri
Deep dive into Hone’s childhood world of Haare Krishna on the Kāpiti Coast. You’ll hear tales of multi-headed demons, long days on street corners with a stack of books, chanting, food, practising acting in WINZ offices and gurus warning that making films goes against God’s plan.
AltarNative written and performed by Acacia O’Connor
Have you always thought there must be something more to life? That perhaps you are stuck in a cage but you just can’t see it? You might be right. And Acacia knows the answers. Growing up in guitar cases, on GE Free NZ buses, naked in the mud at folk festivals, attending both Montessori and Steiner schools, Acacia has had a taste of everything that isn’t mainstream and as a result is better than everyone else. She is now here to teach you her ways and save you from your mediocre existence
Acacia O’Connor (Ngāti Porou, Tainui) makes work centering love, grief, and community. This year, Palestine has been forefront in her mind, she co-produced ‘The Gaza Dialogues’ and performed ‘Asra’ amplifying the voices Palestinian prisoners.
A 2017 graduate of Toi Whakaari, Acacia relishes growth. Whether that’s immersing herself in te reo Māori shows with Te Pou, testing her bravery with ‘Racists Anonymous’ or diving into directing global warming show ‘The Trials’ for ATC’s Youth Company. She has also written for Hobson Street Theatre and often acts with Mind Over Manner. Wherever her artistry can make a positive impact, she’ll be there.
Hone Taukiri (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Tamaterā) describes himself as a storyteller. Artistic Director of ‘The Gaza Dialogues,’ he is passionate about amplifying Palestinian voices. Hone co-founded GrindHouse Theatre Company writing and directing their recent show ‘Limited Time Only.’ This year he’s co-directing ‘Te Ao Hou,’ Massive’s rangatahi show. Driven to tell Māori stories, Hone has recently written for ‘Ahikāroa,’ performed in te reo Māori show ‘Te Haerenga a Hoiho’ and queer dance drama ‘Club Waack.’ Hone graduated from South Seas Film & Television School in 2017 and has sweeping sagas in his head that his four-year-old daughter can confirm are awesome.
Kaituhi & Kaiwhakaari | Writer & Actor
Kaituhi & Kaiwhakaari | Writer & Actor
Kaiwhakahaere Whakaari | Producer
Kaiwhakaari
Kaiwhakaari
All tickets to this event are General Admission and are currently available online.
Don’t want to miss anything this Kōanga Festival? For the first time EVER we’ve created season passes! Check out the details…
$180 Taumata Pass | Access to all ticketed Kōanga events
$90 Kōuru Pass | Access to our Tokomanawa main bills: Rutene Spooner’s Be Like Billy? Ngā Rorirori & Neke
$60 Mahuri Pass | Access to new works: Both Play Readings & Māori Krishna + AltarNative
General Tickets
$40 Tīkiti Tautoko | This unsubsidised ticket price supports Te Pou Theatre
$25 Tīkiti Ngākau Hihiko (Early Bird)
$27 Pakeke (Adult)
$25 Kaumatua (Senior) | Gold Card may be required
$25 Hapori (Community services card holders/ Equity members) | Community services card and Equity card may be required
$22 Tauira (Student) | Student ID required
$20 Rangatahi (13-18yrs)
$25 Rōpū (6+) | When booking 6 groups or more
If you need assistance with your booking please contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz
When you arrive at Corban Estate, follow the signs that lead to our whare.
There is a scenic cycle way that leads to Corban Estate Arts Centre. Lock your bike up in the bike stand available on site.
Bus and train links arrive at Henderson Transport Centre, which is within walking distance to our whare. Check the public transport route in your area to plan your trip.
Follow parking directions as you enter into Corban Estate Arts Centre.
The Te Kōpua foyer, bar, kauta and pae tīkiti will be open 1 hour before show time.
🎟️ Our Pae Tīkiti (Box Office) will be open for ticket sales and pick ups.
Note: We no longer accept cash payments but welcome all major cards and paywave.
Our whare is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers.
To ensure you have the best visiting experience, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz about your access needs so we can anticipate your visit.
Please note, your walker will need to be stored away during the performance so that it’s not a trip hazard to other patrons. An usher will return your walker to you whenever you need it.
Service animals are welcome at our whare. If you’re bringing a service animal to an event, contact us at ticketing@tepoutheatre.nz before your visit so we can anticipate your arrival.
We encourage you to share the gift of theatre by passing your ticket onto someone else to enjoy if you have to stay home.