Kia Mau

Experience contemporary performances by leading Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and global Indigenous artists. Kia Mau is a biennial festival. Led with Māori and Pasifika voices in mind, it seeks to celebrate Indigenous performance. The two-week festival will present dance, theatre, music, and visual art in a fresh way. Expect to be challenged and thrilled by new work from Aotearoa and beyond.

The programme includes Auckland-based Atamira Dance Company. ‘Ka Mua Ka Muri’ is billed as an emotionally-resonant exploration of mātauranga Māori . ‘For the Love of Spam’ is a one-woman show from the United Kingdom. It’s dedicated to two things: canned meat and colonialism. From Vancouver, Raven Spirit Dance presents ‘Braiding the Land’. The contemporary dance pieces are rooted in Indigenous worldviews. Previous festival-goers will be excited to see the return of a popular show. ‘Avaiki Nui Social Returns’ showcases Cook Islands string band music. The Michael Fowler Centre will reverberate to the music of Rarotonga and beyond. 

In te reo Māori, ‘kia mau’ is a call to hold fast. It’s about firmly holding onto what matters to ensure that it is kept and retained. Kia Mau festival celebrates the new while connecting to the past. The programme reflects this approach, with a curated selection of established art industry figures alongside emerging talents.