Celebrated Aotearoa singer and songwriter Theia (Waikato, Ngaati Tiipaa, Ngaati Aamaru) will perform a special ‘homecoming’ concert exclusively for her haukaainga in Port Waikato on Saturday, February 28.

Hosted at Tauranganui Marae on the banks of the Waikato River, and proudly supported by Tainui Live, this show is the centrepiece of Theia’s upcoming nationwide Debut Album Release Tour. Gates will open at 5pm and entry to the whaanau friendly, all-ages event will be by koha. 

Theia is thrilled to be able to bring this show to her marae, as it was the home to her great nanny Mite Karaka Kukutai, famously known as “Te Taniwha O Waikato”, and revered for her contribution to the Kiingitanga; kapa haka and writing some of Aotearoa’s most beloved compositions, including ‘Kiwi Weka’ and ‘Ngaa Moni Ika’. It was also where her late grandmother Rangirara (née Kukutai) was born and raised before moving to Ootautahi; and where Rangirara would return with her moko to attend family gatherings. 

“I never got to meet my great grandmother Nanny Mite, but my kui Rangirara ensured I maintained connection to my haukaainga and to her memory. I am so proud of the legacy they both leave,” says Theia. 

Tauranganui MaraetrusteeTukiri Brown Marsh understands that this may be the first-ever modern-day concert held at any of the marae in Te Puuaha O Waikato.

Theia adds: “I can think of no better place than Tauranganui to mark and celebrate the release of my debut album, GIRL, IN A SAVAGE WORLD. I honour my tuupuna waahine, who continue to inspire me in all that I do.”

Catch Theia live in 2026:

Whammy, Auckland – Friday February 27 – with special guest Kōmako

Tauranganui Marae, Port Waikato – Saturday February 28 – Koha entry

Meow, Wellington – Thursday March 5

Details – www.princesstheia.com