Te Reo Maori Tour: Te Kumara Reka

Theatre for younger audiences in Te Reo Maori

The flag ship of Taki Rua Productions, our Te Reo Maori Tour was established in 1995 to increase the use of Te Reo Maori in theatre. Our Te Reo Maori season is based on the promotion of Te Reo Maori and providing our children with learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

 

Te Kūmara Reka

Te Kumara Reka by emerging Māori playwright Matiu Te Huki is a new Te Reo play commissioned by Taki Rua Productions (Pukunui, Kia Ngawari) that focuses on the power of positive reinforcement for rangatahi. It is based on the whakatauki "kaore te kumara e korero mo tona reka". "The Kumara does not talk about his sweetness".

Whetu is an intelligent and talented student, content to hide her light for fear of being called a show-off or big-headed -something she considers to be very uncool.

One day she is visited by Rua; a happy, fun loving and wise spirit who, remains unfazed by anything life may throw his way. Through their meeting Whetu learns about the universal laws of attraction and she discovers that the power of positive thought can bring about positive results in her life.

Along the way they encounter Waha, the school care takers teenage son and wannabe hip hop gangster, who suggests her skills will best be used making cups of tea rather than taking centre stage. Waha’s negative words leave Whetu doubting her abilities and Rua’s guidance.

Rua’s unfazed approach to his newest challenge takes all three of them on a journey of discovery into the ancient Māori world where they examine Tikanga Māori and its relevance in today’s modern world.  This insight gives Whetu and Waha an opportunity to put their differences aside and tautoko each other in a positive and productive way.

Te Kumara Reka addresses big issues in an entertaining way by weaving together dance, waiata and humour. 

Suitable for whanau from ages 4 and up, Te Kumara Reka empowers rangatahi to say “Yes I am talented, beautiful, powerful and I’m ok with that!”

Te Reo Maori Tour

Taki Rua Productions Te Reo Maori season has played to audiences of over 15,000 and expanded from its humble beginnings in a back street Wellington theatre (Taki Rua Theatre), to a nationwide tour from Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) to Muri Hiku (Invercargill).  While aimed specifically at children between 4 – 14 yrs, the plays have always provided good entertainment for teachers, parents and adult students. The show runs for 10 weeks during the third and fourth term of the school year and has become a regular feature on the calendar of schools, kohanga reo and kura kaupapa throughout New Zealand.

Over 10 years, Taki Rua’s Te Reo Maori season reads as a who’s who of Maori theatre; including Jim Moriarty, Wii Kuki Kaa, Selwyn Muru, Briar Grace-Smith, Hori Ahipene, Nancy Brunning, Whetu Fala, Tamati Te Nohotu, Hinemoana Baker and more.  The commitment shown by all the practitioners is based on the responsibility to provide professional theatre to our children that is available to them in their home town wherever that may be.  Taki Rua has a commitment to communities, our children and promoting access to Maori theatre to help all New Zealanders feel comfortable to take ownership of Te Reo Maori, an official language of New Zealand.

Audience Feedback

Taki Rua Productions has received nothing but a positive response from schools throughout the country.  Of particular note are comments stating Taki Rua productions’ Te Reo Maori Tour is a highlight of the school calendar and an event both students and teachers look forward to.

Teachers have expressed how important they feel it is for the students to attend a play performed entirely in te reo Maori – even if the language for some of the audience may be at an advanced level. 

Taki Rua Productions continues to be the only company which tours work in te reo Maori on a regular basis to kohanga reo and kura kaupapa throughout New Zealand.

The season involves around 80 shows around the country over 10 weeks from July 21 to November 4.  Each year the season plays to larger audiences and these audiences are expected to grow exponentially over the next 5 years.

Within each region this tour travels to many rural communities and schools that would not usually have access to professional theatre such as:

Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Pangaru, Dargaville, Papatoetoe, Otara, Mangare, Takapuna, Albany, Huntly, Ngaruwahia, Ruatoki, Raglan, Hawera, Te Kaha, Opotiki, Whakatane,  Wairoa, Gisbourne, Te Araroa, Ohakune, Taumarunui, Wanganui, Rotorua, Tokoroa, Feilding, Masterton, Nelson, Tuahiwi, Rangiora, Alexandria.

This is a full national tour of New Zealand.

Education 

Taki Rua Productions is committed to making theatre accessible to young people and supporting education programmes in schools. We offer affordable ticket prices, easy booking and compelling performance at a variety of venues in order to achieve this goal.

Plays in Te Reo Maori aimed at 4-14 year olds, these plays tour provincially throughout New Zealand every year.

Audience
Tamariki/rangitahi/pakeke
Learners of Te Reo Maori

Venue
Schools, marae, kura, museums, and community halls throughout New Zealand.

School Booking Forms