Kiwi favourite on Hakaru stage     

Hakaru Hall will be transformed into an underwater wonderland next month, as Mangawhai’s talented tamariki bring a much-loved Kiwi story to life through dance, music and creative storytelling.

Presented by the Mangawhai Players, Tangaroa’s Gift: A Community Celebration of Movement, Story and Sea will feature performers aged five to 12 in a vibrant production celebrating the ocean, Te Ao Māori values and the joy of self-expression.

Written by Mere Whaanga-Schollum, Tangaroa’s Gift tells the tale of the humble pāua, once ridiculed for its plainness until Tangaroa, god of the sea, blessed it with shimmering colours. When jealousy from other sea creatures threatened its beauty, Tangaroa gave the pāua its protective shell – a reminder that true beauty lies within.

The production is directed by Jenny Sharp, co-directed by Dani Conaghan and produced by Juno Scott-Kelly, and follows weeks of creative workshops where local children explored movement, sound and character.

“Audiences of all ages will be transported through ocean-inspired choreography, live music and heartfelt narration in a performance that celebrates confidence, creativity and connection to the land and sea,” Scott-Kelly says.

“This show is about more than performance. It’s about tamariki exploring who they are, connecting with the ocean and sharing that joy with the community.”

Sponsored by Swim Mangawhai, the show will run across three sessions: Saturday, October 11 at 1pm and 5pm, and Sunday, October 12 at 1pm.

Tickets are available via Humanitix: events.humanitix.com/tangaroasgift