Autaia

Autaia returns for its sixth season, bringing together nearly 1,000 tauira from 10 groups across Tāmaki Makaurau and Waikato for two nights of original haka theatre at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre. Every performance is conceived, written, choreographed and performed by the rangatahi themselves, supported by professional kaiārahi across a five to six week creative development process.

This year's kaupapa, Ka Ora Tonu, centres on resilience, collective strength and the enduring spirit of community. Through haka, waiata, movement and theatre, the tauira share stories grounded in their own lives while staying connected to te ao haka. Three creative categories — Haka Bracket, Haka Musical and Haka Movement — give groups distinct ways to shape their work.

Presented by Hawaiki TŪ and Auckland Live, Autaia is an all-ages event. Children under five seated on a caregiver's knee are admitted free. Audiences should be aware the show uses strobe lighting and haze or smoke effects.