Te Pou Theatre, nestled in the Corban Estate Arts Centre in Te Kōpua Henderson, Tāmaki Makaurau, is a beacon for kaupapa Māori (Māori principles) performing arts, both locally and globally.
Founded in 2015 in nearby New Lynn, Te Pou Theatre moved to Corban Estate in 2018 and opened a purpose-built Māori performing arts venue in 2023.
At its core, Te Pou Theatre champions a vision where Māori-led performing arts redefine cultural narratives worldwide. It strives to amplify Māori voices on the global stage through innovative storytelling and inclusive artistic practices.
Te Pou provides performance and rehearsal space for indigenous theatre practitioners and creative artists. Led by a diverse and dedicated team, the theatre embodies courage, ingenuity, and community connection.
Amber Curreen, a founding leader of Te Pou Theatre, says it is dedicated to nurturing and showcasing contemporary and community performing arts grounded in Māori values: “Te Pou is a space that resonates with the Māori community, where our people feel at home.”
Setting up the whare whakaari (theatre) in Corban Estate places it in the middle of Henderson’s creative heart, a move which Amber says means Te Pou “is surrounded by creative people and organisations who are based here, which we add to as well.”
The theatre's strategic goals reflect its commitment to community and cultural revitalisation. These include sustaining a storytelling programme, supporting youth development, and fostering an inclusive arts sector that celebrates Māori culture.
Through partnerships and collaborations, such as with Auckland Theatre Company and ILBIJERRI Theatre Company (the longest established First Peoples theatre company in Australia), and annual events like Koanga Festival, Te Pou continues to push boundaries.
As it continues to grow, Te Pou Theatre remains true to its mission to empower Māori artists, nurture cultural pride, and inspire societal change through the transformative power of performing arts.
Its impact extends beyond art too, with the theatre serving as a cultural hub where creativity thrives and indigenous storytelling flourishes, and challenges perceptions in the performing arts landscape.
We want to make sure that Te Pou is as accessible as possible, and is a part of [Te Puna Creative Innovation Precinct]” says Amber. “Through art and connecting with others we can express ourselves and tell our stories. Making our space open to as many people as possible is so important to make this happen.