Te Ua was born in
Auckland and raised in a community of
Black Power gang members in the suburbs of
Glen Innes and
Ōtāhuhu. Te Ua is of
Te Rarawa,
Te Aupōuri,
Te Aitanga a Māhaki,
Te Whakatōhea and
Tūhoe descent. As a teenager she joined Pounamu Huia, a performing arts training school and group. In 2011 she co-founded a Māori contemporary dance and performance company, Hawaiki TŪ. In 2023 she is studying towards a PhD with
Te Wharewānanga o Awanuiārangi. Te Ua is the creative director of
Aitaia and it is co-produced with her company Hawaiki TŪ and
Auckland Live. It is the third year for this event to be held.Autaia means “to be extraordinary” and this kaupapa encourages every single person involved to step into the world of haka theatre because on the other side awaits a pathway of passion, pride and unwavering self belief.’ (Kura Te Ua 2023) == Performances ==