Waiora Te Ūkaipō - The Homeland

Set in the summer of 1965, Waiora follows Hone, who brings his whānau from the East Cape to the South Island in search of a better life.

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  • Words by Auckland Arts Festival
  • Last updated 24 Mar 2026

As they gather for a beachside birthday hāngī with their Pākehā guests, buried secrets and cultural tensions rise to the surface. Far away from home, can they find a place to stand together or will they be set adrift in an ocean of change? 

First performed in 1996, Waiora is a landmark piece of Aotearoa theatre exploring the impact of colonisation, the urban drift, and the tension between past and future. Multi-award-winning writer Hone Kouka returns to direct his own powerful reflection on family, culture and belonging.
Auckland Theatre company

Location Te wāhi
ASB Waterfront Theatre
ASB Waterfront Theatre, Wynyard Quarter
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Getting there Te huarahi ki reira

ASB Waterfront Theatre is a 17-minute walk from Waitematā Station and accessible by many bus routes, including the City Link route.