Auckland-based actor Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne is poised to deliver a powerful performance as Rongo in the 30th-anniversary production of Hone Kouka’s seminal play, Waiora Te Ūkaipō – The Homeland. The production, a deeply resonant story of whānau, dislocation, and the enduring impact of colonization, will open at the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts next Friday before moving to the Auckland Arts Festival in March. Ngatai-Melbourne’s casting marks a significant moment in her burgeoning career, solidifying her position as a rising star in New Zealand’s vibrant arts scene.
Ngatai-Melbourne, 26, brings a unique depth to the role, informed by her own upbringing and connection to te ao Māori. Her journey to this point, from a childhood spent immersed in Māori language and culture to roles in acclaimed films like Cousins (2021) and Whina (2022), demonstrates a commitment to storytelling that honors her heritage. The upcoming production of Waiora represents her first foray into stage acting since graduating from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in 2020.
From East Cape Roots to the Stage
Growing up in Te Araroa, a modest East Cape community, Ngatai-Melbourne was immersed in te reo Māori from a young age, attending kōhanga reo and a Māori-language immersion school. This upbringing profoundly shaped her perspective and instilled a deep connection to her identity as a member of Ngāti Porou and Ngai Tūhoe. “My whole life, I’d been surrounded by te ao Māori,” she explained, noting the surprise she felt when she moved to Wellington and realized not all Māori shared the same linguistic background. “Honestly, I didn’t know that not all Māori speak Māori. It was interesting meeting Māori from other places since they were different. Like, we weren’t all the same.” This realization mirrors a theme explored within Waiora itself, where characters grapple with differing experiences and perspectives within the Māori community.
Ngatai-Melbourne’s screen credits include roles in The Convert (2023), Lee Tamahori’s final film before his death in 2025, where she played Rangimai alongside Guy Pearce, and smaller parts in the environmental teen drama Mystic and Kairākau, a indicate centered on three Māori chiefs in pre-colonial Aotearoa. Her performance in The Convert garnered recognition, including a TIFF Rising Star Award in 2023, where she participated in professional development with industry leaders. She initially didn’t fully grasp the significance of the award, learning it offered valuable networking opportunities with casting directors, filmmakers, and producers.
A Story of Displacement and Resilience
Waiora Te Ūkaipō – The Homeland, written by Hone Kouka (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa, Kai Tahu), tells the story of a whānau’s move from their ancestral home on the East Cape to the South Island in search of economic opportunity. The play, originally written three decades ago and set in 1965, explores themes of colonization, urban drift, social dislocation, and intergenerational tension – themes that remain strikingly relevant today. Kouka describes Waiora as not only a Māori story but also a universal immigrant story, resonating with experiences of displacement and adaptation across cultures.
The 30th-anniversary production holds particular significance, with Kouka again directing and his daughter, Maarire Brunning-Kouka, serving as the sound designer. This adds a poignant layer to the production, as Maarire’s mother, the late Nancy Brunning, originally played the role of Rongo. The cast is currently rehearsing in Wellington, preparing scenes that capture the emotional weight of the story, including a hāngī scene where Ngatai-Melbourne’s character, Rongo, quietly struggles with her separation from her tūrangawaewae – her place of belonging.
Ngatai-Melbourne initially hesitated when Kouka approached her about the role, identifying more strongly as a screen actress. However, she ultimately embraced the challenge, recognizing the importance of the story and the opportunity to connect with her roots. “The story is about his whānau moving from the East Cape to the South Island, so he’s intentionally brought cast and crew from those places,” she says, highlighting Kouka’s commitment to authenticity and community involvement.
Looking Ahead
Ngatai-Melbourne’s dedication to her craft and her cultural heritage is evident in her work. She approaches her roles with a grounded confidence, drawing on her experiences and a deep understanding of the stories she tells. When asked about her future aspirations, she expressed a desire to continue pushing boundaries and exploring international opportunities, stating, “I wish to crack something international. I know it’s close. I can feel it.”
Waiora Te Ūkaipō – The Homeland will be performed at the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts in Wellington from February 27 to March 1 and at the Auckland Arts Festival from March 6 to 22 as part of the Auckland Theatre Company’s 2026 season. Tickets and further information can be found at festival.nz and aaf.co.nz.
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