The Sir Howard Morrison Centre is proud to host several events as part of the ARONUI Indigenous Arts Festival this Mahuru (September), celebrating the vibrant diversity of indigenous art and culture.

Sir Howard Morrison Centre Performing Arts Director Janelle Bish is thrilled to have ARONUI Arts Festival return to Sir Howard Morrison Centre. 

“ARONUI presents such an exciting and relevant programme of contemporary theatre featuring exceptional Māori and indigenous artists and thinkers, and this year’s programme is no exception.  It’s such a treat for Rotorua audiences”, says Ms Bish.

The festival opens with the global premiere of The Voices In The Shadows on 12 and 13 September. Written by Rangipo Ihakara, performed by Wairea Theatre Company and featuring world-renowned arts activist, Tame Iti, this indigenous musical explores themes of colonisation and cultural suppression through a compelling blend of music and contemporary dance.

Rutene Spooner pays tribute to Māori comedic legend Billy T James with Be Like Billy? on 14 September. Reflecting on his influence on Māori showmanship and celebrating the Showband Era's impact on Māoridom's greatest entertainers, Spooner traces the legacy from the iconic "cheeky cackle" of the era to explore what Māori showmanship looks like today.

On 18 September, Heights Creative showcases the talents of rangatahi from Western Heights High School, featuring performances by Te Roopu Manaaki, Heights Pasifika, dance students, Heights Jazz Band, Heights Tira Waiata, Smokefree Rockquest participants, and School Talent Quest.

Join us on 19 September for a screening of Ka Whawhai Tonu, followed by a Q&A with key contributors. This powerful drama, featuring locals Temuera Morrison, Cliff Curtis and presented in te reo Māori, depicts the 1864 siege of Ō-Rākau, where Māori courageously defended their land against colonial forces.

The Mario Lanza Valentine’s Fantasy performed on 21 and 22 September, is imaginative theatre following a fantasy tale of a chance meeting between the legendary tenor, Mario Lanza (Sani Muliaumaseali’i) and Ana Hato of Te Arawa – the first commercially recorded singer in Aotearoa, portrayed by the inimitable Maisey Rika.

ARONUI Kaihautu – Festival Director and Founder, Cian Elyse-White, says she is excited to be bringing world-class indigenous art from all over Aotearoa to Rotorua.

“ARONUI is back again for another round of indigenous arts, stories and performances, right in the heart of Rotorua. We can’t wait to host performers, manuhiri and locals alike for the hugely diverse programme being showcased right on our back doorstep.”

“We invite you to experience art as a healing journey through a uniquely Māori lens, where senses and spirits intertwine, celebrating the vibrant pulse of Māori heritage in all its rich forms,” says Ms White.

For the full ARONUI programme, visit aronui.nz and join us in Rotorua for an unforgettable celebration of indigenous artistry.