Introduce yourself and your arts practice
Kia ora my name is Huia Pihema (Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Te Whānau-a-Apanui) I am the Poumatua Festival Director and the lead for both Te Kahu Tōpuni Kapa Haka Festival and Tuku Kōrero | Tāmaki Talks.
What's your favourite thing about what you do? What's the hardest?
My favourite thing is bringing together an idea and working with various parties to bring it to life.
The hardest part is working with parties that don’t meet the commitments made, that gets really hard.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Worry about what is within your control, the rest will take care of itself.
Who are your favourite artists / theatre companies / musicians etc and why
I love performance, in particular all forms of Māori performing arts. I love music and I love to dance. My all time favourite kapahaka are Waihirere and Te Waka Huia or any team my tamariki perform with - no biased at all.
My favourite singer/musician was my Poua (grandfather) Bill Kerekere but in contemporary times, Anita Baker, Lauren Hill, Bob Marley and Mariah Carey. I love all forms of dance, I enjoy theatre that I understand and love a robust discussion or two.
Tell us more about Tuku Kōrero | Tāmaki Talks and what inspired you to create this?
At the heart of Poumatua Festival and all four of its events is the Tuku Whenua.
On the morning of the 18th of September 1840, Crown representatives came to Tāmaki for a ceremony to mark the founding of the nation’s new capital at Point Britomart, Te Rerenga Ora-iti. Friday 18th of September 2026 marks 186 years since the Tuku Whenua by Apihai Te Kawau and Ngāti Whātua to Governor-Lieutenant William Hobson and his fledgling government.
At around 12.30pm, a flag was run up and the whole assembly gave three cheers alongside a 21-guns salute. The Tuku Whenua was a response to the premonition He Aha Te Hau, which was interpreted by many as a sign to invite the pākehā to Tāmaki as a friend and partner where both Māori and settler would benefit.
The Tuku Whenua is the very inspiration behind the Poumatua Festival and Tuku Kōrero | Tāmaki Talks. Socialising a narrative of such importance to the origins and establishment of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau just makes sense.
Tuku Kōrero | Tāmaki Talks, an event included in the Poumatua Festival, brings together influential leaders and emerging rangatahi voices to explore identity, belonging and Auckland’s future. We are fortunate to have these pūkōrero join us for this amazing opportunity to discuss all things Tāmaki including:
Thursday | Tangata Whenua-Tangata Tiriti
Annabelle-Lee Mather
Ngarimu Blair
Oscar Knightly
Eda Tang
Thursday | He Taurahere
Eru Kapa-Kingi
Peeni Henare
Te Amohaere Morehu
Tapeta Wehi
Bailey Mackey
Friday | Tangata Whenua-Tangata Tiriti
Precious Clark
Ngaati Tahinga Wilson
Oriini Kaipara
Chloe Swarbrick
Friday | He Rangatahi
Elite Reti
Waimarama Hawke
Atakura Hunia
There are some exciting names in the panel! What was your approach when gathering these panelists?
My husband and I discussed the types of panels that we would like to hear from - tangata whenua (people of the land), taurahere (people who reside here but are from another region), tangata tiriti (non Māori and Te Tiriti partners) and rangatahi (youth). From there we identified who we thought would fit the profile, are articulate, Joe approached all potential panelists, connected us and the rest is history.
Why is having an event like this so important?
This event will help to socialise and elevate unique kōrero from some of Tamaki’s tangata whenua, tangata tiriti, taurahere and rangatahi regarding Tamaki’s birth, development and future.
What can audiences expect from Tuku Kōrero | Tāmaki Talks?
Insightful, robust and humorous commentary from a cross section of Tamaki/Auckland’s vibrant community.
What do you hope people will learn or be inspired by at Tuku Kōrero?
We hope that they learn the importance of connection of what Tāmaki was, what Tāmaki is and what Tāmaki can be in the future.
This event is part of the wider Poumatua Festival presented in partnership with Auckland Live and supported by Q Theatre, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Tell us more about this collective approach. What does this support mean to you?
It is vital that Tumutumuwhenua Cultural Trust has the support of Auckland Live, Q Theatre and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei due to the depth and breadth of the kaupapa, communities, and themes this festival touches. Without all four parties and their respective supports, the Poumatua Festival would not be happening and we are grateful.
Tuku Kōrero | Tāmaki Talks takes place on Thu 17 and Fri 18 Sep in Q Rangatira. Tickets are just $10 (+ booking fees) – book your tickets now.
This event is part of the inaugural Poumatua Festival, a vibrant three-day celebration of the birth of Auckland, presented in partnership with Auckland Live and supported by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Auckland Council Events
