Justin’s strength as a choreographer comes from his extensive experience; founded in cultural and contemporary performance and hip hop; including career highlights of runner -up in ‘So you think you can dance’; touring Walt Disney’s theatre production ‘The Lion King’ and NZ debut musical ‘City of a Hundred Lovers’.
Justin has worked alongside NZ's leading choreographer's and dancers including Michael Parmenter, Black Grace Dance Company and was one of the founding dancers and choreographers with the New Zealand Dance Company.
Justin won the Creative New Zealand Award for Pacific Emerging Artist in 2012.
He’s worked with Red Leap Theatre Company, devising and touring the six time award winning production 'The Arrival' and ‘Papersky’.
Justin was a co-pioneer of the clowning group, ‘The White Face Crew’, with their street style roving and award winning performances in ‘La Vie Dans Une Marionette’ and ‘Double Derelicts’
Since 2019 Justin has become more involved in the film and television Industry as a stunt performer which has lead to work on international productions.
Justin also directs, performs & co-produces his own created physical-theatre family friendly works under Jandel J and the Funky Friends.
Organisation/Company
Name: Jandel J & the Funky Friends
My Role: Co-producer / Director / Performer
Jandel J and the Funky Friends create a unique style mix of dance, drama, comedic & fun-filled theatre shows for children and families. They strive to connect their audience to the endearing and heartfelt stories and journeys of the characters lovingly brought to life in the shows.
The company founded by Justin Haiu alongside his wife Renee in 2013, formed by a collective of Pasifika Artists; many whom have come through the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (PIPA), and the Unitec performing arts programme.
The Funky Friends have created four full length works - 'Motuhake', 'The Perfect Gift', 'Baggage' & 'The Gift' as well as two short works. These have been performed in Auckland Live’s various community engagement programmes; collaborated with Healing Through Arts & Action Trust travelling into a multitude of primary schools Auckland Wide as well as seasons at Art Festivals nationwide.
Currently the group have three new works in their development stage phase.
MOTUHAKE
Artform: Physical Theatre
Development Status: Tour Ready
Media Uploads
Trailer
Full Length
Synopsis
Motuhake (I Am Special) is a highly interactive and magical show for children and families. This story is set in an imaginary world where the main character gets spooked as he journeys through adventures and finds puppets that come to life. Through this he discovers the special talents that only he and the puppets have. These talents are made even more special when they explore sharing them with others. It is an adventure story about friendship, sharing and unity.
Creative Team and Crew
Justin Haiu - Director / Performer
Renee Haiu - Co producer / Creative Support
John Verryt - Set Designer
Elizabeth Whiting - Costume Designer
Lauren Jackson - Dramaturge
Troy Tu’ua - Lighting Designer
Karnan Saba - Music Composer
Co-devisors: Onetoto Ikavuka, Aloali’i Tapu, Joachim Koro, Tupua Tigafua, Eric Ripley, Vita Vaka, Michael Falesiu, Paula Uvea
Number of People in the Touring Party
5-6 People
Previous Seasons
Auckland Live’s Pick & Mix 2013 & 2014,
Auckland Primary School Tours 2014, 2015 & 2020,
Developed version: Showing at Mangere Arts Centre 2020, Auckland Live’s Pick & Mix 2020, Te Oro Music & Arts Centre 2023
Reviews and Quotes
"...they are a group of extremely talented men who are excellent dancers, mime artists and actors." - D'arcy Norton - Pro- spect Primary School -Teacher
"We loved the show. The boys were excellent and they stayed on to do jump jam with our kids. It's so good to have Pasifika and Maori role models that are actors and not just sportsmen." - Charmaine Munro – Sunnyvale Primary School – Teacher
"The choreography was fantastic, the humour infectious and the narrative very relevant for the children and pertinent to their learning." - Sarah McIntyre – Vauxhall School – Teacher
“This show was uplifting, funny, kind, tendered and very clever. It had a great message that was skilfully developed.” – Wayne Leighton – Royal Road Primary School – Principal
https://www.theatreview.org.nz/production/the-perfect-gift/
Technical Rider & International Touring Info (if applicable)
- View/download document #1 here
The Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ) Arts Market is New Zealand's premiere event for artists, producers, presenters and industry leaders from across the performing arts sector.