Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School is excited to present the 2025 Graduation Production of The Haka Party Incident, by Katie Wolfe.

The Haka Party Incident takes us back to 1 May, 1979. University of Auckland Engineering students dress up, perform a mock haka, and rampage across the university and Auckland streets. Māori have complained for years, but nothing has changed. The activist group He Taua confronts the students and it goes wrong. The nation is in an uproar.

It’s the moment that introduces New Zealand to the concept of systemic racism and becomes part of a wider movement which will change Aotearoa forever. It's a moment that was almost lost, but is captured forever thanks to film-maker and playwright Katie Wolfe.

This Graduation Production is the final major work by graduating students across Acting, Arts Management, Costume, Design and Set & Props. Directed by Jason Te Kare, presented in Te Whaea Theatre, Te Whaea National Dance & Drama Centre.

The Haka Party Incident was commissioned by Auckland Theatre Company. Presented by arrangement with Playmarket.

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Performance Dates:

Thursday 16th October – Opening Night 7pm

Friday 17th October – 7pm

Saturday 18th October – 7pm

Tuesday 21st October – 7pm

Wednesday 22nd October – 7pm

Thursday 23rd October – 7pm

Friday 24th October – 7pm

Saturday 25th October – 7pm

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Duration: 120 minutes (including 15 minute interval)

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