Kayne Ngātokowhā Peters talks to express playing on the NZ Falcons and his documentary A Gay Rugby Love Letter.
Where did you grow up and how was ‘growing up’ for you?
I grew up in Auckland’s Onehunga and Māngere suburbs by the airport. And was always taken back to our marae by National Park, and to our nan and koros’ in the King Country’s Taumarunui township.
My parents were teenagers when they had my twin bro and I. Mum was 17 and dad was 18. And we were raised to learn how to ride our BMX bikes without training wheels at age three, taught to tidy the house and weed the garden at age four, taught to change our baby brother’s nappies at age six, and then taught how to cook dinner for the whānau at age eight. As soon as we could walk we were given tea towels to do the dishes.
You recently starred in Hemo is Home which was the largest production ever staged at Te Pou Theatre. What does having a home dedicated to Māori storytelling mean to you?
I remember talking amongst the creators of Te Pou Theatre back in 2012 when it was just an idea. And I am blown away to see how it’s come to fruition. Good on them man! It’s awesome to have a place in the arts in Tāmaki Makaurau where you can go and speak Māori, and just be Māori.
Tell us a bit about your short film A Gay Rugby Love Letter – In Māori which premiered at Auckland Pride’s Pride In The Square?
I joined the New Zealand Falcons rugby team last year and went to Canada to represent Aotearoa at the Mark Kendall Bingham Memorial Tournament (Bingham Cup) which is pretty much the gay rugby world champs. And I gained support from Te Māngai Pāho and Auckland Pride’s Access Fund to make a short film about the experience. And yes, I may have fallen in love too.
What did playing the Bingham Cup mean to you?
I have never really felt comfortable about owning my feminine side, or my sexuality, outside of my private life. But joining the Falcons and meeting so many other gay people and allies at the Bingham Cup, gave me so much encouragement and confidence. I realised you can totally be gay and still be tough enough to play rugby.
What has joining the NZ Falcons meant to you and why would you recommend joining the team to others?
Joining the Falcons has given me a community, a whānau, who love the challenge of playing rugby. But who also loves being manly and feminine, just like me!
What other exciting projects do you have coming up?
I’ve been invited by my dear friend Tanu Gago, who is a founder of the incredible FAFSWAG arts collective, to produce his short film, Picking Crew, alongside the amazing Carthew Neal.
I’ve also been invited to jump on as a director for the second series of Queer and Here, being made by mana wāhine Nicola Anne Smith and Ramon Te Wake.
Any other messages you would like to share with express’ readers?
If you’re gay, gender fluid, trans, or just feel like you don’t fit in. Reach out to groups or sports teams where there are people just like you. You’re never alone. Kia kaha!
Kayne Ngātokowhā Peters starred in Hemo Is Home. Find out more about this and other great māori work at tepoutheatre.nz
