Join Kia Mau Festival in celebrating the rangatahi of Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School as they take the stage of Hannah Playhouse with Ka Tito Au by acclaimed poet, playwright and composer Apirana Taylor (Ngāti Porou, Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Ngāti Ruanui, Pākehā). In 2024, Apirana was awarded the Prime Minister's Literary Award for Poetry. 

Explorer. Navigator. Legend. Multiple pūrākau thread together to celebrate Kupe’s discovery of Aotearoa. His love for his people, his dreams and his heroism, lead to a climactic battle with a giant Wheke. Ka Tito Au is a stream of rich poetic consciousness, presented by Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. 

Kia Mau Festival is at the forefront of contemporary Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and Indigenous arts in Aotearoa and beyond. We are innovators—pushing boundaries, redefining forms, and forging new paths with creative risk-taking at every step.Right here, right now, we bring together local, national, and international artists in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. We find the intersection where our stories intertwine, creating an experience that is uniquely 'local' yet unparalleled in Pōneke throughout the year. 

Kia Mau Festival offers a truly unique experience, led by Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and Indigenous voices at every level—from our leadership to our artists and audiences. Unlike any other festival, we are not just a platform for presentations; we are a hub for kōrero and whanaungatanga.