The first Maori Miss New Zealand inspires a new play

A play inspired by the crowning of Moana Whaanga as the first Maori Miss New Zealand back in 1962 is among the new work that's part of a festival that's been revived after a 25-year hiatus. Auckland's Te Pou venue in New Lynn has brought back the Koanga Festival as part of the Going West Festival. Two of the featured Maori writers are newcomer Cian Elyse White whose play Te Puhi is about the Maori Miss New Zealand event, while established playwright Albert Belz is presenting his new work The Great American Scream.