VENUE CHANGE

Due to the cancellation of Whānau Day, the performances of Te Kuia Me Te Pūngāwerewere on Sunday 24 March will now take place at Waipapa Marae, The University of Auckland, 16 Wynyard Street at 11am and 2pm. Those who have registered for the performances will have heir registrations transferred to the new venue. Please let use know if you are no longer able to attend.

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Inspired by author Patricia Grace’s and illustrator Robyn Kahukiwa’s classic children’s book The Kuia and the Spider, Te Kuia Me Te Pūngāwerewere is a delightful, comedic prequel that takes audiences on a journey into spider world.

In this beloved tale, the kuia (female elder) argues with a large spider living in her kitchen and competes to see who can do the best weaving. While in the midst of their daily bickering, Kui and Pūpai are suddenly thrust from their home in Paekākāriki and into spider world. There amongst the spiders, they must work together to save the habitat from human destruction. 

Performed entirely in te reo Māori, but full of gestures and movement so that everyone can follow along, this splendid show breathes new life into an iconic Kiwi story cherished by children and parents all over Aotearoa.

 

Adapted from The Kuia and the Spider by Patricia Grace, with illustrations by Robyn Kahukiwa. Te reo Māori translation by Hōhepa Waitoa.