ration the Queen's veges

In 2023, the group ‘Te Waka Hourua’ sparked public furore when they painted over the English Treaty of Waitangi exhibition at Te Papa to read, “No. Her Majesty the Queen of England the alien. ration the Queens veges.” The ‘redaction’ provoked strong opinions — some sang their praises, others called for blood. While all the artists were charged, only one was jailed: Te Wehi Ratana. This uplifting one-man play is inspired by true events, sharing the remarkable experience of the abseiling activist during his time in prison, and the story of how one action can inspire change in the most unlikely places.

ration the Queen’s veges, co-written by Tainui Tukiwaho and Te Wehi Ratana, explores the aftermath of the high-profile activism that dominated conversation across Aotearoa in the ensuing weeks of December 2023. The play dramatises the 48 hours artist Te Wehi spent at Rimutaka Prison, and the idea his cellmate hatched — using the prison currency of nicotine gum — to continue the protest action from behind bars. Tainui Tukiwaho is a leading Māori director, playwright and actor. He is also the co-founder of Te Pou Theatre alongside fellow theatremaker Amber Curreen, who is a producing mentor on this production.