KAUPAPA | ABOUT

Immerse yourself in the heart of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa with UPU, an award-winning, electrifying theatrical experience that brings the words of Māori and Pacific poets vividly to the stage.

Following its world premiere in Tāmaki Makaurau in 2020, UPU has gone on an incredible acclaimed national and international touring journey, with seasons across Aotearoa, Mexico, Canada and Australia, including a sold-out Australian premiere at the Sydney Opera House. Now, UPU returns home for one night only as the closing performance of Kōanga Festival 2026.

Meaning ‘word’ in many Pacific languages, UPU weaves together the voices of 23 poets, from emerging writers to celebrated literary figures. Through powerful storytelling and extraordinary live performance, their words explore identity, history, resilience, humour and the realities facing tangata moana today.

For this special homecoming performance at Te Pou, UPU is brought to life by Maiava Nathaniel Lees, Jarod Rawiri, Nicola Kāwana, Mia Blake, Shadon Meredith and Ana Corbett.

Enhanced by evocative lighting, projections and a rich soundscape, UPU is an intimate, moving and unforgettable celebration of our ocean and our people.

Featuring works by: Tusiata Avia, Ben Brown, Brandy Nālani McDougall, Craig Santos Perez, Sia Figiel, Briar Grace-Smith, Daren Kamali, Karlo Mila, Grace Mera Molisa, Noʻu Revilla, Celestine Kulagoe, John Pule, Tafea Polamalu, Leilani Tamu, Apirana Taylor, Teresia Teaiwa, Hone Tuwhare, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner, Konai Helu Thaman, Albert Leomala, Maualaivao Albert Wendt and Lyz Soto.

NGĀ TĀNGATA | CREATIVES

Kaiwhakaari | Performer — Maiava Nathaniel Lees
Kaiwhakaari | Performer — Jarod Rawiri
Kaiwhakaari | Performer — Nicola Kāwana
Kaiwhakaari | Performer — Mia Blake
Kaiwhakaari | Performer — Shadon Meredith
Performer/Producer — Ana Corbett
Director/Co-Creator — Fasitua Amosa
Curator/Co-Creator — Grace Iwashita-Taylor
Stage Manager — Eliza Rutter
Production Manager/Sound Operator — Emily Hakaraia
Tech Operator/LX & AV Supervisor — Jane Hakaraia
LX & AV Designer — Rowan Pierce
Soundscape Design & Original Composition — Faiumu Matthew Salapu
Kaihoahoa Pae Whakaari | Set Design — Micheal McCabe
Kaihoahoa Kākahu | Costume Design — Kristin Seth
Artist & Cultural Design Elements — Tyla Vaeau
Kaitito Nekehanga | Movement & Choreography — Joash Fahitua