Waiora Te Ukaipo : The Homeland

Waiora is a classic play from Aotearoa New Zealand. It was first published in 1997 and has been widely studied in schools and universities.

This new edition includes updated text, a new foreword and study notes.

It is 1965 and a Maori family prepares a hangi to celebrate a birthday with their Pakeha guests. Hone Kouk as much-celebrated play touches on the impact of colonisation, urban drift and the tension between the past and the future.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark is a fan of the play. She said I only wish that more New Zealanders knew about it and were able to see it. Poignant and vital, this play explores ideas of home and belonging.

About the author

Hone Kouka (Ngati Porou, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Kahungunu, KaiTahu) MNZM is an acclaimed director, producer and writer for theatre and film. Kouka, along with Miria George, founded theatre and film production house Tawata Productions, producing the works of Maoriand Pasifika artists. In 2015 he founded the Kia Mau Festival - a multiarts platform for Maori, Pasifika and First Nations/indigenous artists from across te ao whanui (the globe). Based in Wellington, this festival is built upon a foundation of kaupapa Maori.