The platform where rangatahi express their creative excellence through the performance art of haka theatre is expanding, with its first-ever two-night season happening this August! 

Over the past four years, almost 2,000 rangatahi have taken to the stage, and this August, 12 schools and kura kaupapa from across Tāmaki Makaurau, Waikato, and Te Tai Tokerau will take centre stage in the largest Autaia showcase to date. 

Presented by Hawaiki TŪ and Auckland Live, Autaia is a vibrant celebration of the richness, diversity, and significance of Māori performing arts. It offers rangatahi the opportunity to explore various elements of haka theatre, whether through performance, direction, choreography, costume and set design, sound, or lighting, culminating in the creation of powerful, original works. 

In 2025 tauira can explore: 

• Haka Bracket - The traditional kapa haka bracket, incorporating creative theatrical nuances to enhance storytelling. 
• Haka Musical - A combination of kapa haka and musical theatre, using elements like staging, characterisation, musicality, and dramatic intent to create an immersive experience. 
• Haka Movement - A focus on Māori dance and choreography-driven storytelling, blending traditional and contemporary movement techniques. 

Bring the whole whānau, tamariki, grandparents and your friends to experience the frontier of rangatahi-led Māori performing arts!