Hokia Ki Nga Maunga (Return to the mountain) is the enchanting story of a young boy named Rima who needs the help of the Maori god of the winds, Tawhirimatea, his friends from the forest and the audience to save his village.

I’m liking

The school holidays had arrived again and for once I was actually looking forward to them! They marked the end of the first term where all three of my kids were at school – and everyone (including myself) were looking forward to some proper lazing around the house and disarming the alarm clock.
But when I asked if the kids were interested in checking out show on the very first Monday morning of the holidays, of course all of the above went out the window and off we went – even despite some very sniffly July noses.
The show was an interactive bilingual (English and Te Reo) presentation of a story which introduced the audience not only to some basic Māori phrases and words, but also centred on themes of energy sustainability and looking after New Zealand’s land and resources.
The actors did an amazing job of keeping the kids entertained and held their attention for the full 45 or so minutes with various methods of stage craft, pantomime and audience interaction. Very basic props and backdrops were used but were kept very much just that – simply props and backdrops. The skill, energy and enthusiasm of the four actors – including a narrator – really did all the work in bringing the show to life and entertaining the kids. Introducing Te Reo to the target 5-12yo audience was a prominent theme in the show but in a subtle and fun way using word boards which my little pakeha kids quickly got the hang of.

Things that made me go hmmmm

Some of the themes of the show around sustainability were probably a little beyond much of the audience who took the show for what it was – some actors running around and presenting an engaging story on stage. And anything which uses fart gags – especially with a smoke machine- is always going to be a winner with the kids.

The conclusion

In all, it made another great morning out in the city for the family, creating fresh new memories for the kids – and well worth keeping the alarm clock on for one more morning.

Ruia Te Kakano: Hokia Ki Nga Maunga is on at the Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre Auckland until 11th July 2015.