Te Pou Theatre is New Zealand’s only kaupapa Māori-led theatre. This exciting, dynamic arts venue is all about making theatre as accessible as possible to The West. ‘Our mission is to eliminate cultural and financial barriers within our community,’ declares Te Pou Theatre’s Amber Curreen.
The theatre operates a haukāinga model, which sees ticket prices capped at $35 to encourage more Westies to go to live theatre. Funding of $20,000 from the 2024 Your West Support Fund helped to make that possible by covering a significant portion of the Te Pou’s operating costs.
Last year was another super-busy one with a packed programme of productions, professional development for Māori artists and the ever-popular Kōanga Festival. Amber says that in 2024, Te Pou Theatre engaged over 1,800 performing arts practitioners, hosted more than 140 events and reached over 18,000 audience members.
Highlights included The Handlers. This heart-warming production tells the story of four sassy wāhine working at West Auckland’s Crown Lynn factory in 1976. Written by Poata Alvie McKree, The Handlers received rave reviews and played to sell-out audiences in May and June. Another standout last year was the Kōanga Festival, held over three weeks in September. Now in its tenth year, the festival hosted over 13 events and 12 kaupapa, entertaining over 3,500 audience members. ‘I loved everything about it,’ declared one enthusiastic attendee. ‘Awesome production. Amazing venue. Great people. Real hospitality and care,’ they added.
Te Pou Theatre has continued its successful Whakapuāwai Programme. ‘Last year, we expanded our professional development opportunities for Māori artists, including workshops aimed at enhancing skills in acting, performance and writing,’ advises Amber. She says several participants have gone on to roles in the theatre, both centre stage and behind the scenes. This year is set to be just as busy. Planning is well advanced for the 2025 Kōanga Festival. And the Whakapuāwai Programme is already underway. Upcoming sessions include an introduction to being a venue technician and an acting workshop. ‘We’re really grateful for the support of the Your West Support Fund,’ Amber advises. She says it has empowered Te Pou Theatre to continue inspiring a vibrant and culturally rich community.
Te Pou Theatre is located in the Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane. Check out the website for all the latest news and updates.
