Te Rākau Hua O Te Wao Tapu Trust is Aotearoa New Zealand's longest surviving independent Māori theatre company. Established in 1989, the trust is guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, prioritizing the principles of protection, participation, and partnership. Led by director Jim and writer Helen Pearse-Otene, Te Rākau utilizes the unique Te Rākau Theatre Marae model to create theatre productions, conduct workshops, and foster community well-being.

Combining therapeutic models, political theatre, and cultural sensitivity, the Theatre Marae program aims to create socially significant and artistically compelling works. Te Rākau collaborates with schools, prisons, Marae, rural communities, and youth justice residencies across Aotearoa, utilizing Theatre Marae as a catalyst for change. As a registered Charitable Trust and Level 3 Ministry of Youth Development service provider, Te Rākau is dedicated to creating high-quality theatrical experiences that resonate with audiences and participants alike.

Stay connected with us to follow our journey