Lynette Gunnion 
It is with great sadness that New Zealand Opera and the wider opera community say goodbye to Barry Mora. Barry was a New Zealand bass-baritone who made his professional debut as Valentin in Faust in New Zealand in 1971 and was the first recipient of the Inia Te Wiata Scholarship. He went on to have … Read more
On October 25 2021, NZ Opera were proud to present Hineraukatauri – a very special waiata (song) written by Dame Hinewehi Mohi and Jaz Coleman. This beautiful song was inspired by Dame Hinewehi’s daughter, Hineraukatauri, who has faced and overcome many challenges in her life, reflecting the importance of music as an outlet for emotion … Read more
New Zealand’s leading producer of opera has made a series of strategic new board appointments this year and welcomes Dr Te Oti Rakena (Ngāpuhi, Ngati Ruanui and Kāi Tahu) following the recent appointment of Carol Hirschfeld (Ngāti Porou) and Joanna Heslop (Ngāti Ruanui). Dr Rakena joins NZ Opera’s board at a time when the artform … Read more
In September 2021, NZ Opera proudly stood in support of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and the revitalisation of te reo Māori. Our company continues to learn, broaden and develop our understanding and commitment towards this important kaupapa: (reomaori.co.nz) Kia kaha te reo Māori!
Kōwhaiwhai is the word used to describe the decoration, most commonly seen on the rafter patterns in the whare tipuna (meeting house). It also refers to the lattice work and paintings. They are designed especially to tell the stories and history of the iwi (tribe) they belong to. The seed of our pattern started with a … Read more
Carol Hirschfeld and Joanna Heslop Appointed to NZ Opera Board New Zealand’s leading producer of opera welcomes two new board members: Carol Hirschfeld (Ngāti Porou) and Joanna Heslop (Ngāti Ruanui). Both join NZ Opera’s board at a time when opera is on an exciting journey of innovation locally and globally. Board chair, Annabel Holland says, … Read more
Awhimai Fraser Role: Kaihere Ao & Participation Co-ordinator When did you start with NZ Opera and what was your position then? Kia ora! Ko Pirongia te Maunga Ko Waipa te Awa Ko Tainui te Waka Ko Te Papa o Rotu te Marae Ko Tainui te Iwi Ko Ngaati Mahanga Hourua, Ngaati Puukenga, Ngaati Korokii Kahukura, … Read more
On April 8th 2021, NZ Opera staff (with Board Chair Annabel Holland joining via ZOOM), came together for a half day wānanga led by Tūtira Mai NZ (Cherie (Panda) Waititi – Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-a-Apanui). We were taken through an in depth discussion on where the Company sits and what aspirations everyone within the Company has, both … Read more
On January 20th 2021, NZ Opera staff and Board Chair Annabel Holland had the privilege of being welcomed on to Mataatua Marae (Ngāti Awa ki Tāmaki Makaurau) for our very first Marae Wānanga as a Company. Our team was taken through a traditional Māori pōhiri including whaikōrero and waiata, ending in a hariru with whānau … Read more
In 2020 NZ Opera applied to Toi Māori to host an intern for 6 months and was accepted as one of only three organizations nationwide to host a Toi Māori intern in 2020, alongside Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival and Te Pou Theatre. Awhimai Fraser (Waikato, Ngai Tāmanuhiri, Ngāi Te Ipu) was selected as the Toi … Read more