By Īhaka Martyn

From Īhaka Martyn, a recipient of Kia Mau Festival’s inaugural innovative new initiative, He Toi Puaki, we present He Toi Hau (the world premiere) season of The Aotearoans.  

Five DIVERSE New Zealanders. 

One simple question. 

A nation’s identity at stake.

Brought together to decide once and for all—New Zealand or Aotearoa?—this unlikely panel of personalities quickly discovers that nothing about this debate is simple. As opinions clash and tensions rise, the group’s differences become more of a hindrance than a help. But as they struggle to reach a consensus, something far bigger looms over their discussion.

Because the elephant in the room? It might not be an elephant at all… or even from this world.

A sharp, thought-provoking, and unexpectedly otherworldly exploration of identity, belonging, and the forces that shape us—don’t miss this bold new work.

He Toi Puaki – Seed Commissions, is a significant evolution in Kia Mau’s commitment to nurturing indigenous voices and fostering homegrown talent amongst our arts whānau here in Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui.

He Toi Puaki embodies the essence of its name by serving as a platform for emerging artists to blossom from seeds of creativity into fully realised productions. This commissioning opportunity is set to redefine the landscape of indigenous performance art in Aotearoa.

Among the inaugural recipients of the He Toi Puaki commission are Emma Katene, Īhaka Martyn, and the dynamic partnership known as CONJAH, forged between Jahra Wasasala and Ooshcon.

Thursday 5 June – Sunday 8 June 2025
Sunday Special: Sunday 8 June 2025
Choose Your Price Night: Thursday 5 June
Circa Two
Audience Care: PG recommended

Creative Credits:
Īhaka Martyn – Writer
H-J Kilkelly – Producer
Tawhi Thomas – Director
Grace O’Brien – Designer
Sameena Zehra – Dramaturg

Īhaka Huia James Martyn (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Arawa; Scotland, England, Wales) is a playwright, actor, and the Script Coordinator at He Rōpū Tautoko Tito Whakaari o Aotearoa, Playmarket. I tipu ake ia ki Tāmaki-makau-rau, e noho ana ia ki Pōneke ināianei. He studied Music and Theatre at Otago University and a Masters in Scriptwriting at the IIML at Te Herenga Waka. His most recent artistic credits are playing ‘Billy’ in Ella Yiannoutsos’ No No No in 2024, a development season of his play Slowing the Sun at the 2023 Kia Mau Festival, and three seasons of his auto-biographical solo piece, He Māori? in 2022 and 2023. Isaac’s been making stuff and breaking legs in theatres around the motu since he was a kid, and is always searching for what tugs at the puku.

ABOUT KIA MAU FESTIVAL

Kia mau is a call to hold fast. Kia Mau is about us all.

Kia Mau Festival is at the forefront of contemporary Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and Indigenous art 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.

Celebrating 10 years in 2025 and now in our eighth iteration, Kia Mau takes place from 30 May to 14 June 2025.

Kia Mau Festival