Ngā Whakamāoritanga

Language, identity and power

  • Words by Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival
  • Last updated 18 Sep 2025

Ngā Whakamāoritanga speaks of the importance of names of people and names of places, each bearing a narrative that holds meaning, history and a connection between the past and present. When these names are distorted or changed, the meanings and connections held within are disjointed, blurred or lost completely.

Translations is a three-act play by Irish playwright Brian Friel, written in 1980 and set in 19th Century Ireland. It is a play about language, identity and power. Originally written in English, the dialogue reflects the idioms and rhythm of Irish speech. Fast forward to 2022 and at the request of the Embassy of Ireland in Aotearoa, the play was translated into te reo Māori by Hēmi Kelly of Ngāti Maniapoto and Irish heritage.

This reading will give you an insight into a shared cultural history through the skill of one of Ireland’s great dramatists and a Māori worldview that’s woven into te reo Māori. It will invoke many emotions and leave you wanting more.

Location Te wāhi
Aotea Centre
50 Mayoral Drive, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Plan your route
Getting there Te huarahi ki reira

The Aotea Centre is a short walk up Queen Street from Waitematā Station, and the Civic car park is conveniently located beside the venue if you’re driving.

Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe

Check out the sculpture of celebrated Kiwi opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa which sits on Level 3 of the Aotea Centre. It was created by local artist Terry Stringer and unveiled by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa herself when the auditorium was named in her honour in 2019.