Nau Mai Haere Mai to Ōtepoti’s newest performing arts venue!

Te Kaupapa

Te Whare o Rukutia supports the presentation of established, emerging, and collaborative work, and new experiences for our audiences. It is a performance space established to help meet the needs of Ōtepoti’s theatre and other performing arts practitioners.

Who was Rukutia?

The name gifted to the venue, Te Whare o Rukutia, pays homage to Rukutia, a traditional exponent of kapa haka who was renowned for performing arts. Te Whare o Rukutia translates to The House of Rukutia and celebrates her skills and influence.

In mythology, Rukutia was linked with Tama and Tu-te-koropaka in stories of Kāi Tahu origin. She was a woman of phenomenal skill.  Associated with moko, pounamu and raraka, Rukutia was also acknowledged as an expert in dance arts. Rukutia is seen throughout Polynesian history in varying forms and appears as a critical thinker with advanced ideas and skills.