HINA 

Weaving dance, land, and ancestral wisdom

Rooted in the powerful story of Te Hākari wetland restoration, HINA is a bold and moving work that blends dance film, live performance, community workshops, and kōrerorero. 

Filmed on location in the Te Hākari wetlands of Kuku and the Ōtaki region, HINA springs from the creative vision of Ngāti Tukorehe dance artist Dolina Wehipeihana and celebrated Kāi Tahu choreographer, arts laureate, and video artist Louise Pōtiki Bryant. 

Through an immersive weaving of contemporary dance, video design, mātauranga Māori, and environmental science, HINA honours the deep ties between wāhine and whenua - celebrating whakapapa, kaitiakitanga, and the strength of ancestral knowledge.

The HINA creative team includes artists who connect to Ngāti Tukorehe and Ngāti Raukawa - Dolina Wehipeihana (Co-Director), Jane Hakaraia (Production Design), Maarire Brunning-Kouka (Guest Composer), Tūī Matira Ranapiri-Ransfield, Tyla Wehipeihana and Huia Rawiri (Performers). Collaborating artists include long-standing collaborators Louise Pōtiki Bryant (Co-Director | Video Design) and Paddy Free (Sound Design and Director of Photography), Rona Ngāhuia Osborne (Costume Design) and Kairangahau | Environmental Researchers Dr Hūhana Smith, Dr Aroha Spinks and Moira Poutama, whose restoration work inspired HINA.

Community Gatherings

Beyond the performance, HINA offers FREE community activities:

• Pūheke Community Dance Workshop with Louise Pōtiki Bryant: Sat 12 July 11am – 12pm
• Harakeke Weaving Workshop with Briar Moffat: Sat 12 July 1pm – 3.30pm
• Kōrerorero: Artist Talk following the 7pm performance: Sat 12 July 8pm
• Community Pā Harakeke Restoration gathering: Sun 13 July

For more information and to register: https://www.facebook.com/BetsyManaProductions

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Presented by Betsy & Mana Productions
Supported by Creative NZ, Kapiti Coast District Council Creative Communities, and Māoriland Hub