Pourakahua [Cinema Release]

Join Pourakahua, a cross between human and bird, on a journey of self-discovery as they fly across the stunning landscapes of Aotearoa to find their new home. They meet interesting friends along the way, coming to their aid while also evading the dangerous bird hunters, the Kaitaomanu.

In our first Te Reo Māori Season production all in the Kāi Tahu dialect, pūrākau from the Arowhenua rock art fly off the walls and into the minds of our tamariki in Pourakahua.

This show has been developed from a theatrical puppet show by TORO PIKOPIKO PUPPETS inspired by real rock art in Timaru, Te Waipounamu, and the many tribal narratives of Pourakahua.

Taki Rua produces, commissions and develops theatre with a distinctively Māori voice. Since 1983, Taki Rua has been an arts industry leader – a creative rule breaker, continually evolving the definition of Māori theatre.

Each year, Taki Rua produces te reo Māori children’s theatre for schools around Aotearoa – a project we call Te Reo Māori Season. First produced in 1995 as a small Greater Wellington tour, Te Reo Māori Season has grown to reach thousands of primary and secondary students from a wide range of ages and comprehension levels each year. Our aim is to encourage students to use te reo Māori by providing positive reo-speaking role models and showing clear Māori language outcomes.

Taki Rua is currently celebrating 40 years, sharing our stories with communities both nationally and internationally.