Dramatist puts Maori centre stage

Much of the writing of Hone Kouka, MNZM, revolves around family, conflict and Maori society. Photo / Jane Ussher

When Hone Kouka finished drama school in 1990, he realised there was something missing on the stage in New Zealand theatre.

Kouka, born in Balclutha but with ancestral ties to Ngati Porou, Kahungunu and Raukawa, thought Maori stories had been underdone.

"There really were not many Maori stories on stage out there, particularly ones from my generation, so I guess that's been the main thing for me - being an advocate to ensure there's a Maori voice out there.

"We need to have our say, too. This has really been highlighted by the [Super City] hikoi up in Tamaki [Auckland]."

Kouka has penned several plays, including the trilogy Home Fires, Waiora and The Prophet - all of which have received critical acclaim.

In 1992, he became the youngest person ever to receive the Bruce Mason Award, and four years later was appointed the writer-in-residence at Canterbury University .

Today, he becomes a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre - not bad for someone who thought he'd grow up to be a chef.

"It was such a wonderful surprise, not just for me but more for the actors, the directors and the producers who all helped to put that work forward."

While he had a stint as a sawmiller and a journalist, writing and composing is in the blood - Kouka's maternal grandfather is the Ngati Porou composer Henare Waitoa, whose World War II song Tomo Mai remains one of the most-loved Maori tunes more than 60 years after it was written.

Much of Kouka's work revolves around family, conflict and aspects of Maori society. He occasionally receives a tap on the shoulder from whanau wanting him to delve into particular issues. "My work is about articulating needs and wants," he said.

Kouka works as a development executive with the New Zealand Film Commission, where he helps to mentor Maori and non-Maori film-makers.

He is working on a stage adaptation of the Patricia Grace novel Tu. "It's based in Wellington in the 1930s, just looking at Maori in those times. It's a love story about three brothers."