ADAPTED, WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY
PO’O KUMU HULA
ARUNA KEKEHA PO-CHING
Pele, the Goddess of Fire, falls into a deep sleep travelling throughout the islands of Hawai'i. When Pele arrives on the island of Kaua'i, she meets the charming Prince Lohiau'ipo, who falls deeply in love with the beautiful and mysterious stranger.
When: Wednesday and Thursday, 18 - 19 June 2025
Where: Mangere Arts Centre, Cnr Bader Drive and Orley Avenue, Mangere
Time: 7.00pm - 8.15pm
Director’s Note
It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to re-present Pele - Goddess of Fire following its successful debut at Te Pou Theatre in 2023.
As a New Zealand-born Samoan Chinese, I am honoured to share the mo’olelo of Hawaii. Advocating for strong wahine-toa stories, Pele and her sister Hi’iakaikapoliopele (Hi’iaka) holds a special place in my heart. While my primary focus has been writing these stories for film and television, theatre remains the foundation of my journey in the creative arts.
With this re-telling of Pele’s story I wanted to also showcase the stunning Hawaiian music and I want to express a big mahalo to the amazing composers that have granted me permission to use their stunning mele (songs) in this show. Although there is little written accounts of Pele and Lohiau’ipo’s time together , I have employed creative license to re-imagine their profound love and have had fun selecting songs that not necessarily be about the characters in the scene but I’ve utilised the music to convey the emotion of the scene. To our die-hard hula traditionalists, please note this production is created with love and respect and my adaption of Hawaii’s most revered deity is created with artistic expression to give our audience an hour of entertainment, education and ultimately inspiration to ensure these stories endure in Aotearoa for generations to come.
I extend my deepest gratitude and thanks to Sefa Enari and the Pacific Dance Festival, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year. Thank you for your unwavering support since your conception as I, and Kumu Blaine were a part of those early days and have always been big supporters of PDNZ.
Po’o kumu hula Aruna Kekeha Po-Ching
CREATIVE TEAM
Artistic Director/ Producer/Co-Choreographer/ Playwriter/Narrator-
PO’O KUMU HULA ARUNA KEKEHA PO-CHING
Aruna Po-Ching is a multi-talented artist who began her creative journey in 1990. Her extensive career has spanned various mediums, including film, television,musicals, and freelance singing in both Auckland and Australia. In 1998, she became a professional Polynesian dancer, founding her dance company Pasifika Sway. This lead decades later to opening her hālau hula in Tāmaki Makarau, under the metorship of kumu hula Blaine Kamalani Kia. Aruna continues to perpetuate hula through classes, cultural exchange programs, community shows, and performances at events such as Tempo Dance Festival, Pasifika Festival, and Pacific Arts Festival.
In 2017, Aruna graduated with a Diploma in Documentary Directing and Research and Screenwriting in 2020. Her short film documentary, Salamasina’s Daughters, was selected for the Doc Edge Film Festival, Wairoa, FIFO, and Polywood Film Festival, now adding director, screenwriter, and producer to her repertoire.
Script and Cultural Consultant/Music Advisor -
KUMU HULA BLAINE KAMALANI KIA
Blaine Kamalani Kia established his first halau in 1987. The hālau reformed in 1997 and perpetuated tirelessly its native art of Hawaiian dance, its knowledge and wisdom as passed down from Kia’s hula lineage.
Kumu Blaine Kia is a veteran among the finest Hula Competitions worldwide including the Merrie Monarch, King Kamehameha Festival, Ia ‘Oe E Ka La Festival, Mokihana Festival, and have won several awards and gained respect and favor among the elite.
Awarded the NEA Human and Civil Rights Award in 2013, Blaine continually travels performing, entertaining, educating, and perpetuating the hula in Japan, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tahiti, New Zealand, Canada, California and other parts of the World when called upon by loyal clients, corporations, private organisations, and institutions. Blaine is the cultural advisor for the Outrigger Hotels, Honolulu, former cultural advisor for the TV series Hawaii Five-O and is the resident entertainer at the Waikiki Boardwalk.
Musical Director/Musician -
ESE AUMALESULU
Born in Samoa and moved to New Zealand as a young child. I have always had a love for Music and have carried that throughout my life. I am myself an established Music Artist, I spent 10 years teaching Music to our young tamaiti and established my own recording studio approximately 8 years ago. I am the director of Tejit Records and work alongside my brother creating and recording for many well known music artists in NZ and Samoa. I have created and published Music for the Auckland Harbour bridge Matariki light festival, written and recorded many productions as well as original songs. Music is more than a passion, it is a vocation of mine. I have spent many years crafting, learning and developing my skills to produce music that I stand proudly behind.
Costume Designer -
CHANTELLE GERRARD
With over 20 years of industry experience, Chantelle specialises in the design, supervision, and fabrication of costumes for film, theatre, and bespoke commissions. She possesses a keen eye for colour and textures both on stage and screen. Chantelle served as Head of Wardrobe for Pop-Up Globe, designing costumes from 2016 until its closure in 2019. Additionally, she has worked on large-scale theatre productions, including those for NZ Opera, and has served as a costume interpreter at the Auckland Museum. Her extensive experience includes managing teams and workrooms and costuming for large productions with casts exceeding 40 members.
Chantelle's film credits include the Underworld movie franchise and the television series Game of Thrones. She is deeply passionate about history, fabric, and the arts. Her primary interest lies in historical costume, and she has self-funded numerous trips to advance her research in this field.
Set Designer - LAISA PICKERING
My name is Laisa Pickering and I am a 44-year old wife and mother living in the Waitakere area. I am originally from the northern part of Fiji and migrated to New Zealand in 2001 and have lived in Auckland since then. I work as an Electrical Trainer training apprentice and experienced Distribution Line Mechanics around the country. We fix and maintain powerlines, poles and cables that you get your electricity from everyday.
My involvement with The Hula Journey hālau stems from my deep love for Hula and Hawaii. As a child growing up, my grandfather used to listen to a lot of Hawaiian music in memory of his brother who had travelled to Hawaii and lived there working as a musician in an island band. He was a talented steel guitarist. His love for his brother translated to his love for Hawaii, her people and her music which was then passed down to myself and my daughter who is also part of this hālau. As a haumana I have found that I have been able to use some of my transferable skills from my beloved Fiji and from my work in building props and sets for our stage performances and in printing our costumes using Fijian masi printing techniques.
Lighting Designer - JAZMIN WHITTALL
A Tāmaki Makaurau-based theatre technician, lighting designer, and operator with a background in dance and choreography. Of Tongan and British heritage, she brings a distinctive artistic approach to her work, blending movement and visual storytelling.
Jazmin has collaborated with renowned venues such as Basement Theatre, Q Theatre, ASB Waterfront Theatre, and SkyCity. Her recent projects include Flesh or Wound, PROWL, The Last Man Standing, and Skate or Die. She has also worked with major festivals and organizations, including the NZ International Comedy Festival, Pasifika Festival, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 (ASM), Prayas Theatre, and Auckland Arts Festival.
With her versatile skill set, Jazmin has operated and contributed to productions such as Ciggy Butts in the Sand, The Butterfly That Flew into the Rave, and Savage Coloniser (2023).
OUR WONDERFUL CAST
Pele - Roberta Faitele
Roberta Faitele is a dedicated haumāna (student) of Hālau Aka Waikahe Lani Maile, under the guidance of esteemed Kumu Po‘o Aruna Kekeha Po Ching since December 2022. In 2023, she debuted in the role of Pele during the hālau’s first original show—a role that continues to shape her connection to hula and the rich legacy of Hawaiian mo‘olelo (stories).
She has since performed in Hawaiʻi as part of the opening performances for delegates during FestPAC 2024, and in Sacramento during a special Ho‘ike honoring 25 years of hula with the hālau’s sister school. As part of Pele the Goddess of Fire, she honors the fierce mana (spiritual power) of Pele, bringing reverence, strength, and deep respect to each performance.
Outside of hula she is a portrait photographer that is currently focused on community work and how she can give back to Pasifika communities. She has worked alongside organisations such as Whau Pasifika, Siva Afi Aotearoa, Talavou Village, MaieSitete Siva, YWCA Aotearoa, and the Ministry of Education to name a few. She is currently one of the proud sponsors for Te Au o Tonga as they prepare for Te Maeva Nui 2025.
Ohh and she’s also the content creator for The Hula Journey 😂
Hiiakaikapole opele (Hi’iaka) -
MATAOLEALOFA ULUGIA-LAVEA
Talofa lava and warm Pacific greetings.
Samalaulu Tagoa’i Mataolealofa Allanie Janicemarie Teresa Ulugia-Lavea, known as "Mata," hails from Samoa and has been immersed in cultural arts, particularly siva (dance), from a young age; sparked by the village everyday life music and siva was a given passion. A proud mother to her lively son, Leoweiss Jeremiah, who fills her life with joy (and grey hairs).
From 2005-2007, Mata played a lead role in the high school production “Our Cultural Heritage, Our Cultural Future” in Samoa, where she was introduced to Pacific Island dances, including Māori, Tahitian, Tongan, Fijian, Kiribati, and Hawaiian. The production ran for three years under the guidance of Lupe and Viiga Fuimaono, who are known for their cultural contributions in Samoa. While studying at Victoria University of Wellington in 2013, Mata met Dr. Emalani Case, a Kanaka Maoli educator, who introduced her to the sacredness of Hula. This led Mata to pause her practice out of respect for the art.
Fast forward to 2025, Mata saw auditions for Pele and was excited to find Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie in Aotearoa under the respected creative direction of Kumu Hula Aruna Po Ching. In a short time, the knowledge and techniques she has gained have made this journey deeply enriching. Mata is set to play Hi'iakaikapoliopele, the youngest and most beloved sister of Pele, the Goddess of Hula. Hi’iaka’s qualities of sacrifice, loyalty, and her cultural connection through Hula resonate deeply with her and she is grateful to be back in the creative space, continuing her Hula journey.
Faafetai mo le avanoa and Mahalo nui loa.
Lohiau’ipo (Prince of Kaua’i) -
JIREH LALOTOA
Jireh is a proud Samoan, born and raised in West Auckland, New Zealand. He is a graduate of the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Dance Studies and is a Pacific and contemporary dance enthusiast. Jireh joined Hālau Ka Waikahe o Lani Mālie & Halau Kahulaliwai in 2024 and has not looked back since. He admires the beauty and challenge that comes with hula, and is grateful for the cultural knowledge and meaningful connections from being in the halau. He is proud to be a vessel for the sharing of stories through hula and mele. Jireh’s passion for Pacific and contemporary movement is influenced by creative arts which was prevalent in his upbringing and family. This motivates him to carry his village in all he does. Now working in aviation, he is thankful that he can continue to fulfil his passion in the creative arts. His aspiration is to impact and transform others through movement and creative arts.
Hopoe (Hiiaka’s best friend) -
IIVANJA GUTTENBIEL-PO’UHILA
A Kiwi-Tongan born and brought up by the banks of the Whau River in Tamaki Makaurau. Her Moana Nuia Kiwa heritage hails from the Kingdom of Tonga, the astonishing Fatafata Mafana and the magnificent cliffs of Hufangalupe.
Hula and Tau'olunga (Traditional Tongan Dance) has always been a part of her life and growing up in Tamaki Makaurau she has always felt drawn closer to her heritage when she speaks her mother tongue and dances. She has also had opportunities to share the stage with the likes of Josh Tatofi, Kapena, Fafangu Koula 'o Pakilau to name a few.
She joined Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie (The Hula Journey) in January 2024 and has never looked back, the fellowship and comradeship she has established with her hula brothers and sisters has been a blessing growing in Hula, learning this sacred and protected craft under the influence of the amazing Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia and po’o kumu hula Aruna Kekeha Po-Ching.
Outside of the Hālau Hula, she works at the Ministry of Education, where she is passionate and believes that our youth are the Leaders of Tomorrow and is dedicated to working towards supporting them as best she can. Ivanja is also the current Avondale Lataki President where she recognises the importance of tauhi vā (looking after relationships) between the elders and the youth of today.
Queen Kalani -
MARGREY TANYA HEWSON IOANE
Talofa lava,
I am a proud mother of four, and currently working as a flight attendant for Air New Zealand.
From a young age, I was given the incredible opportunity to travel to Taiwan and Korea to share and showcase our beautiful island cultures. Performing has always been a deep passion of mine. However, after becoming a mother, I found it difficult to make time for myself and had to put that passion on hold. That changed when I came across a friend’s story advertising the trials for Pele: The Goddess of Fire. I saw it as a sign—it was time for me to return to what I love most. Being part of The Hula Journey has reignited that passion and given me the platform to once again express myself through dance.
As Martha Graham once said, “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”
Mo’o (Shapeshifter) -
MAKAYLA HALAFUKA
Malo ē Lelei,
I am the daughter of the pacific; specifically the beautiful kingdom of Tonga. I am a proud mother to one son & married to my sweetheart. Born & raised in central Auckland, I am a registered nurse, specialising in endoscopy/gastroenterology, with other experiences in the same work. Currently, completing my masters in health practice nursing at AUT as I have a massive passion for education within nursing & the pacific.
I have been amongst the creative arts since I was a little girl. From cultural dancing in church functions, cultural dancing at school through to now as a adult as I love to do cultural performances, specifically with the beautiful island of hawai’i.
I started the halau in 2024 and have enjoyed every minute of it since that time till now. Outside of halau, I can say I can be a work-a-holic but my family are my biggest blessing & priority in life with God always.
My faith has helped my passions, visions in life & purposes, without it I wouldnt have savoured the fruits of its labour, whether in dance or other things I do. Therefore, I have always been destined to share my talent that God gave me & that is to do hawaiian hula & dance with my heart hoping everyone feels it too.
Pa’upalapalae (Hiiaka’s travelling companion) -
LAKOI DAWSON
After more than ten years away from Hula due to injury, I walked through the doors of the Halau ten months ago—and everything changed. I not only rekindled my love for Hula, but I also found a new ‘Ohana.
Since joining the Halau, I’ve had the honour of dancing in the December 2024 Ho‘ike—an incredibly special moment, as it was the first time my son, daughter, and husband saw me perform.
Under Kumu Aruna’s guidance, I’ve also contributed as a makeup artist for various promotional projects, and I had the privilege of serving as both backstage support and makeup artist for Avondale College’s first-ever Hawaiian group at Pasifika 2025.
Kanaka Maoli -
TE ATA HARMER-MATAIRANGI
Kia Ora! He Māori au nō Te Tairāwhiti. I’ve always loved the performing arts—especially Kapa Haka and cultural dance—and it’s been a part of my life since I was young. By day, I work as an HR Data Specialist at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and when I’m not working, you’ll most likely find me dancing. In both spaces, I feel like I’m honouring and serving the culture in meaningful ways.
Working in Māngere, I’m surrounded by a richness of diversity, and throughout my upbringing I have felt a strong sense of connection across the Pacific. This is my first time stepping into Hula, and I’m so glad I took the leap. It’s been a beautiful challenge, and I’m grateful to share this journey with our amazing Hālau.
Kanaka Maoli /Royal Court-
MAREIKURA WAITI
Kia ora! Ko Mareikura Waiti tōku ingoa. I am a proud wahine of Māori and Mā’ohi descent.
Being raised in Te Ao Māori instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of language and its vital role in shaping and preserving culture. This passion has taken me around the world, where I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in other cultures while sharing my own. I am now a polyglot, having recently reconnected with Reo Mā’ohi, another treasured language of my ancestors.
I recently completed a B.A. in Linguistics at the University of Sydney, and I’ll soon begin postgraduate research in Pacific Studies—focusing on the revitalisation of Indigenous languages in Eastern Polynesia.
It’s a privilege to be part of this Hālau and this production. Hula brings ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i to life, and to carry the mana‘o and share the mo‘olelo on stage is a true honour. This experience has deepened my admiration for our Kānaka Maoli cousins and their beautiful language. E Ō!
Kanaka Maol/Royal Court - JANAEYAH KITE
Aloha, I’m a mother and a student studying Primary Education. Over the past five months, I’ve been immersed in the beautiful art of hula, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey of learning and growing through this experience. Balancing motherhood, my studies, and my passion for hula has been a truly rewarding adventure and I cannot wait to see where this leads me.
Kanaka Maoli - JANE GUDSELL
My name is Jane, a Pākehā-Samoan and blessed solo mother of two. I studied visual arts and have always gravitated toward creative spaces.
With no real dance experience I began my hula journey in 2022 with Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie under the guidance of our Kumu Po‘o, Aruna Kekeha Po Ching. Since then, this path has become one of personal growth, cultural reconnection, and meaningful friendships. Some of the most memorable moments include performing in our first showcase of Pele in 2023 and traveling to Hawai‘i for FESTPAC, where I had the privilege of dancing with our parent hālau and learning from the esteemed Kumu Blaine Kia.
Outside of hula, I work in preloved fashion and am passionate about recycling clothing and promoting sustainable style.
I am grateful to once again dance alongside my fellow haumāna as we bring the powerful story of Pele to life.
Kanaka Maoli - KYLIE MAYALL
During my studies, I performed in China and led dance workshops on Koro Island, Fiji — experiences that deepened my love for cultural connection through dance.
Now in my twelfth year of teaching, I lead the Dance department at Marcellin College and also serve as Assistant Principal. I’m passionate about empowering our ākonga to express themselves through dance — building confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of identity and purpose.
I am committed to lifelong learning and continually seek opportunities to expand my skills and understanding of dance. Since joining Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Māile in 2024, I have embraced the challenge and joy of learning hula. This journey has deepened my connection to movement, story, and culture — and continues to shape me as both a dancer and educator.
Kanaka maoli - KOURTNEY PATUMAKA
I began my hula journey with Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie in 2013, inspired by a deep appreciation for cultural expression and a love of travel. Over the past 12 years, hula has been both a grounding force and a source of personal growth.
During this time, I’ve taken breaks to live abroad in London and Ireland - experiences that challenged me to grow in new directions and deepen my understanding of both myself and the world around me.
Creativity is at the core of who I am. I thrive in collaborative environments and hold a Fine Arts degree with a specialization in Photography. My creative passions naturally extend to fashion and interiors, and I currently work as an eCommerce Fashion Stylist and Studio Coordinator. Whether through dance, imagery, or styling, I’m driven by expression, storytelling, and the thoughtful details that bring a vision to life.
Kanaka Maoli- XARA PICKERING
Ni sa bula Vinaka, I am proud to say that I have my home and heritage in the northern part of Fiji and in Auckland, New Zealand.
My first and deepest love is the art of storytelling, and all the ways we keep them alive and part of us, but especially through performing arts. Learning hula is one of ways I keep that love alive. I am currently studying Education and Pacific studies, with the hopes of becoming a speech language therapist.
I love an adventure with my village of family and friends, whether it’s flower arranging, hiking, Tapa printing, or playing soccer. Some of the best things I’ve gotten to do are travel to Hawai’i with my fellow hula brothers and sisters for the Festival of Pacific Arts, and when I was younger I had the privilege to sing my way through New Zealand on tour as an Excel School of Performing Arts student.
But no matter what, my favourite days are always the ones I spend lost in a story. Whether it’s through a game, a book, or a musical, the best kind of magic to me is being able to explore other worlds, other lives, and other memories and dreams. I’m so excited to be part of this production, and to bring this story to life. I hope you’ll continue to support us all as we hone our craft with love and pride.
Kanaka maoli - TANIORA ATAMA
Tēnā koutou kātoa, He uri āhau nō Te Tai Tokerau, Waikato-Tainui me Mātaatua.
For the past decade I’ve worked as a floral designer at Tomuri & Co. Aotearoa, a successful Māori-owned business based in Tāmaki Makaurau. I’ve had the opportunity to create and showcase memorable pieces for local fashion shows, private functions for luminaries, and special events within our Māori and Pasifika communities. As a side hustle, I also design and create floral accessories for my hālau, and dress stages for our live performances.
I was raised by my tīpuna, nurtured in te ao Māori, surrounded by waiata and kapa haka. From childhood through to high school, I performed on stage at regional and national competitions, giving me a solid foundation in the arts. I decided to put my haka dreams on hold while pursuing life’s many pathways.
I truly believe hula found me. As a child, I remember seeing and hearing hula kahiko for the first time, and instantly feeling that familiar zeal I share with kapa haka. My journey finally began when I joined Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie in 2022. Since then, I’m continuing to fill my kete of knowledge under the guidance of a wahine toa, our esteemed kumu hula.
Embracing the richness of Hawaiian culture along with my own, keeping our stories alive through performing arts, is vital to preserving the gifts and traditions of our ancestors weaved together by Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.
We appreciate your support so we thought you’d enjoy our Spotify playlist. Click the plus sign ( + ) to follow. We have also included some our favourite mele and the mele that we warm up to. Enjoy!
Po’o kumu hula Aruna Kekeha Po-Ching
Sponsors
With Support
Mahalo nui loa
KAREENA TOMURI, KAUMAKAIWA KANAKA’OLE, ROSANNA RAYMOND, NATHAN AWEAU, KAMAKA CARRILLO, ERIC LEE