Ngahiriwa has been a dedicated arts practitioner since 2008, touring Aotearoa extensively and telling stories through the work of various theatre companies. Over time, his focus has shifted toward creating and leading his own kaupapa through Ko.Ko.Ko. Creative LTD, telling not only others' stories but his own. He is currently developing his first full reo Māori stage play, Te Tau E, which he hopes to premiere in 2026.
His mahi is now increasingly centred on creating space for indigenous whānau to express themselves—particularly across the Te Arawa and Mātaatua rohe. Whether through performance, community art, or teaching acting and writing through a Te Ao Māori lens, Ngahiriwa is committed to nurturing bold, culturally grounded storytelling.
Organisation/Company
Name: Ko.Ko.Ko. Creative LTD
My Role: Director/Founder
Ko.Ko.Ko. Creative Ltd – Company Bio
Ko.Ko.Ko. Creative Ltd is a Māori-led, artist-driven film and theatre production company founded in 2023 by Ngahiriwa Rauhina and Acacia O’Connor. Established to foster autonomy in the stories they tell, Ko.Ko.Ko. Creative was created as a space where Māori practitioners could develop bold, innovative work grounded in te ao Māori values, te reo, and mana motuhake.
The company operates under the creative leadership of Ngahiriwa Rauhina and Maria-Del Fernandez. Although young as a formal entity, Ko.Ko.Ko. Creative is built on a strong foundation of artistic excellence and community connection. Ngahiriwa brings 18 years of experience as a performer, director, writer, and producer across kaupapa Māori and bilingual theatre, educational outreach, and nationally supported projects. His work spans organisations such as Taki Rua Productions, Te Rēhia Theatre Company, Te Pou Theatre, Rotorua Musical Theatre, and Duffy Books in Homes.
Since its inception, Ko.Ko.Ko. Creative Ltd has:
Produced and directed the award-winning short film Chatterbox
Written and delivered touring stage productions including He Koni Ahi and Te Urupūia
Created and toured original kaupapa such as ‘ration the Queen’s veges’
Produced the Auckland season of Raru e Maruakaitā by Poe Tiare
Ko.Ko.Ko. exists to uplift Māori voices, grow regional arts infrastructure, and support the next generation of Māori artists to tell their stories without compromise. It is not just a company, it is a kaupapa grounded in aroha, tikanga, and the belief that our stories deserve to be at the centre.
Iwi affiliation
Ngāti Whakaue, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Raukawa
ration the Queen's veges
Artform: Theatre
Development Status: Tour Ready
Media Uploads
Synopsis
'ration the Queen’s veges' is a fast, funny, and fearless one person Māori theatre show inspired by real events in 2023, after a protest action at Te Papa Tongarewa landed Te Wehi Rātana in Rimutaka Prison for 48 hours.
One performer takes the audience on a wild ride through protest, prison, and power, jumping between storytelling, characters, and direct kōrero with the crowd. It moves at pace, breaks the rules, and constantly turns the spotlight back on the room.
Inside the prison, a small idea sparks something bigger. Voices start to rise in a place designed to keep people quiet. What begins as humour quickly becomes something more raw, human, and unexpectedly moving.
The show updates with the political moment, responding to what is happening right now. Submissions, hungry kids, te reo Māori being pushed aside. The story stays alive because the stakes keep changing.
Bold, playful, and unapologetically political, 'ration the Queen’s veges' has packed out theatres across Aotearoa and left audiences buzzing, laughing, and arguing on the way out.
This is not theatre that sits politely in its seat. It is theatre that grabs you, pulls you in, and asks what you are going to do with your voice.
Creative Team and Crew
Writers - Tainui Tukiwaho and Te Wehi Ratana
Producer - (formerly - Te Pou theatre - Chloe Weaver and Amber Curreen) Currently - Ko.Ko.Ko. Creative LTD - Ngahiriwa Rauhina
Director - Tainui Tukiwaho
Lighting Designer - Jane Hakaraia
Set design and costume - Nicole Marsh
Sound design - Connor Magatogia
Photos - Julie Zhu and Andi Crown
Marketing - Aroha Awarau
Stage Manager - Roy Iro
Actor - Ngahiriwa Rauhina
Number of People in the Touring Party
3
Previous Seasons
Auckland Arts Festival at Te Pou theatre 12 - 16 March
Circa Theatre - 16th August - 13th September
Aronui Arts Festival - 21st September
Nelson Arst Festival - 24th -25th October
Reviews and Quotes
"Just been to opening night. A very creative effective performance of a special story"
"This was awesome"
"Last night. The opening night. What a story. What a performance. It is a must. Surely this will tour the country"
"I didn't know Te Wehi went to Rimutaka, opened up new awareness particularly around the judicial system for me that I'm keen to explore more. I liked the wero at the end too"
"17.3 out of 13.7"
"It was needed!"
"I feel energised!
"I brought my tamaiti, he's 4 years old. He sat on me and locked eyes on the stage and didn't look away. He tohu nui tērā"
