In late summer 2015, Hone Kouka accidentally founded an arts festival. One of our most lauded playwrights, he wanted to help raise the profile of other Māori writers and performers just as his The Beautiful Ones was due to open at Wellington’s Circa Theatre. He visited other venues to ask if they could put on some shows at the same time.
When they all said yes, a festival flickered into life dubbed “Ahi Kaa” – “burning fires”. It was an apt description of what Kouka wanted to achieve, but even he did not anticipate how bright that fire would blaze.
Eight years on, Ahi Kaa ispartner Mīria George. The biennial event gathers local, contemporary, indigenous performers as well as First Nations artists from around the world.