AUAHA!

For three months, tamariki and whānau have been connecting and creating at community houses in Fairfield and Hamilton South as part of the Auahatanga ki te Kāinga programme. Led by professional artists Ahsin Ahsin, Whetu-Iti Doreen Silver, with the support of Michael Moore and Abigail Aroha Jensen, communities prepared visual and performing arts pieces to share at ‘Auaha!’, the powerful 3 month celebration at Clarence St Theatre on the 12th of May. 

In the lead up to the big day, the delivery team including artists, representatives from Community Houses: Te Whare Kokonga, Glenview Community Centre, Te Whānau Pūtahi and Te Whare O Te Ata, Community Waikato and Creative Waikato, worked to prepare the space and walk tamariki through rehearsals and preparations. Thanks to the mahi and support of the Clarence St Theatre manager Shaun Bugden, technical support and a team of friendly front of house volunteers, there were lights, projections, and sound.

For many tamariki and whānau, this was their first time on stage or in a theatre, and excitement buzzed during rehearsals. One leader of a community house shared that being present in a venue of such mana was described as “something else”, an experience of class and belonging.

The big day arrived, and the Hamilton South whānau kicked off the show, sharing a range of practices from Te Whare Tapere, weaving together poi, rakau, waiata, haka, and modern theatre storytelling. All the while, they were supported and guided by lead Auahatanga artist Whetu Silver, with the support of local artists Michael Moore and Charles Clover. Next up was the Fairfield crew, led by Sopo Vaeagi, carrying in custom-painted waka set pieces, and sharing waiata, theatre and haka.

The audience was deeply moved by the experience – with a mix of proud parents and whānau, supporters, and interested community members who had just come along to see what the project was all about. 

The community performances were then followed by a ‘conduction’ experience guided by guest artists Dr. Riki Gooch and Tiipene Babbington – both renowned professional musicians. Riki and Tiipene travelled up from Wellington to provide an additional interactive creative experience for the whole audience to be part of the day. Riki shared:

“Tiipene and I left Kirikiriroa feeling inspired and uplifted by the two days we had. Witnessing this level of community support for our young people is a true example of nourishing young minds and hearts—empowering them with creative tools to carry into the future.”

At the end of the performance part of the day, the curtains opened to reveal tables of kai, and audience and performers moved through to enjoy the exhibition of visual art held in a dedicated room behind the stage curated by Ahsin Ahsin and Abigail Aroha Jensen featuring works made by tamariki and rangitahi. 

And to close, tamariki, whānau and supporters sat on the stage to share kai and chat. Reflecting on the day and the programme, tamariki shared their feedback, highlighting new skills and connections:

‘I like being part of the community, and making new friends’ 

‘One new thing I tried was singing on the front of the stage, because I’ve never done it in front of crowds I don’t know before.’ 

We now look forward to another three months of creative community activities, as we build towards a final community event and celebrations to mark the end of the programme. In addition, monthly whānau days continue to connect communities around creative activities. 

Please feel very free to come along to classes, join in upcoming events, and share about the programme!