Planning for this year’s eagerly anticipated Kōanga Festival at Te Pou Theatre is well underway. Now in its 12th year, the festival has become one of the standout events on West Auckland’s cultural calendar. The festival is a highlight in a packed programme of shows and events at Henderson’s Te Pou – New Zealand’s only kaupapa Māori-led theatre.
While audiences see the finished productions on stage, much of the work of Te Pou happens behind the scenes, supporting emerging artists, playwrights and theatre practitioners throughout the year.
‘A key focus for us in 2026 is the continued growth of our rangatahi and artist development initiatives,’ explains Amber Curreen, Poutoko Whānau.
Six rangatahi Māori will gain paid internships in technical theatre, production and producing through the new AKO training programme, building skills in a professional performing arts environment. Te Pou also supports Māori artists through its Nohonga Creative Residencies, which provide dedicated time, space and resources to develop new work and explore creative ideas. Meanwhile, the Rangatahi Playwrights Programme continues to champion emerging writers through mentorship from experienced theatre practitioners.
Together, these initiatives are helping build a pipeline of Māori creative talent, from playwrights and performers to future producers and technical specialists.
Since opening its Henderson venue in March 2023, Te Pou has provided a creative home for 4,500 artists to develop and present their work, while more than 450 people have participated in free workshops and capability-building programmes. Audience numbers continue to grow, with more than 45,000 people attending performances and community events since the venue opened. Feedback from audience surveys also remains consistently positive.
Keeping theatre accessible is central to the mission. Around 75 per cent of venue hire costs are subsidised, helping artists and community groups access professional performance spaces at affordable rates.
‘Low ticket prices, capped at $40, alongside koha and free events, mean more people can experience live performance and cultural experiences close to home,’ says Amber.
Funding of $20,000 from the latest Your West Support Fund is contributing towards the theatre’s operational costs. ‘This support is critical in helping us keep the doors open and the lights on while enriching West Auckland’s cultural life,’ Amber reports.
With the help of the Your West Support Fund, Te Pou can continue creating opportunities for Māori artists while ensuring local audiences have access to high-quality, affordable theatre.
The Kōanga Festival runs from 10–20 September at Te Pou Theatre, Corban Estate Arts Centre. Before then, locals can enjoy Kua Rewa Te Aihikirīmi, a te reo Māori circus theatre show for the whole family, on 8 and 15 August.
Learn more about Te Pou Theatre at tepoutheatre.nz or follow them on Facebook.
If you or your organisation could use support from The Trusts, find out how to apply at thetrusts.co.nz/our-funds.
