The Battalion comes to Ōtaki

The students of Ōtaki College, Te Kura-a-Iwi O Whakatupuranga Rua Mano and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito will be working together under the direction of Jim Moriarty and his theatre company, Te Rākau, on a production of The Battalion.

This is an amazing opportunity for our students to work with one of New Zealand’s finest theatre companies.  The project is designed to bring the stories of the Māori Battalion to Ōtaki, performed by our young people. 

The Battalion is a powerful story about loss of innocence, comradeship, whānau, adventure, loyalty, sacrifice, love, and ultimately, healing set during WWII. Many members of the Māori Battalion were just kids, as young as 15, when they left for WWII and there are whānau in Ōtaki who have direct links to the Māori Battalion.

Te Rākau will come into the Ōtaki community and work with our rangatahi in a holistic kaupapa Māori theatre process, to produce a high quality performance that will engage, challenge and excite.  The production will take place in mid October, with tickets on sale next term.

On Monday 13 June, Jim Moriarty came to Ōtaki to talk to students at the three kura about the project.  Unfortunately he was forced to postpone Te Rākau's presentation to whānau in the evening, due to terrible weather.  We will let whānau know once a new date for the evening has been set.

Young people (from Years 10-13) need to sign up this term and rehearsals will begin next term. Rangatahi interested in being involved can email Whaea Tamsin on tds@otakicollege.school.nz to get more information.