We meet The Tīwhas – Aotearoa’s trailblazing takatāpui drag collective – set to return to Palmy Drag Fest with a high-energy blend of kapa haka, comedy, and live music.
When the stage lights go up at Palmerston North’s iconic Regent on Broadway this October, the energy will be electric – because The Tīwhas are back. Known across Aotearoa as the nation’s premier takatāpui drag collective, The Tīwhas are bringing their distinctive blend of kapa haka, comedy, live vocals and fierce choreography to Palmy Drag Fest for a third triumphant year.
Comprised of four dynamic Māori drag artists – Dame Jthan, Slay West, Pania, and Tina Coco Couture – The Tīwhas are more than just performers; they’re storytellers, culture bearers, and fierce entertainers on a mission. Their kaupapa blends joy, representation, and pride in both takatāpuitanga and te ao Māori.
“We are a Māori drag collective made up of four unique queens,” they explain. “We sing live, with fully choreographed numbers, blending kapa haka with pop and comedy. Audiences can expect poi, high notes, twirling, and a whole lot of fun. Our goal is to entertain the masses while spreading awareness and acceptance of te reo Māori, drag and takatāpuitanga.”
Four Queens, One Roopu
What sets The Tīwhas apart is their celebration of individuality within a seamless group dynamic. Each queen brings a signature style and unique flair to the stage, and together, they create something electric.
Dame Jthan, the group’s bold matriarch, infuses kapa haka, musical theatre, and pantomime into her performances, with a nod to Beyoncé. Slay West delivers fierce hip-hop and pop culture sass, heavily influenced by Nicki Minaj and brown and black culture. Pania is the soft-voiced siren, drawing on musical theatre and ethereal glamour. And Tina Coco Couture, a poi master and fashion-forward diva, channels the spirit of Tina Turner and Anita Baker.
“We play to each performer’s strengths,” they say. “Tina leads our poi moments, Pania adds musical theatre flair, Slay commands our up-tempo numbers, and Dame Jthan brings that girl group precision. And when we can’t agree on a creative direction, we vote!”
Bringing the Heat to Palmy Drag Fest
Having wowed Palmy Drag Fest audiences for the past two years, The Tīwhas are ready to up the ante with fresh choreography, a new waiata, and a few surprise faces in the mix.
“We’re stoked to return for the third year running. Each year we open the evening with a new ‘Māorified’ waiata to welcome audiences and honour mana whenua. This year will be no different – but bigger and better. We’ll also be introducing some new members of our whānau to the Palmy stage!”
Fans can also expect cheeky references to pop culture – with one performance nodding to a certain superstar who recently ‘went to space’. As always, The Tīwhas aim to leave audiences laughing, thinking, and celebrating.
Representation with Heart
For The Tīwhas, being visible as takatāpui Māori performers is about more than just the glitter and glam.
“It’s not a responsibility – it’s a privilege,” they say. “We want to be the representation we needed when we were tamariki. For some, we might be the first drag performers they’ve seen, or the first time they’ve encountered Māori culture in this way. We celebrate ourselves and each other – and if people learn something along the way, that’s a bonus.”
Their shows are as much about empowerment as entertainment. After their appearance at Wellington Pride Parade, they were swarmed by cheering crowds and young fans wanting photos. “We felt like the Beatles,” they laugh. “But it’s also those quieter moments – someone thanking us after a show, saying we helped them feel seen – that really mean the most.”
Māori Drag, Done Our Way
The Tīwhas are reimagining what drag can be, grounding it in te ao Māori and takatāpui identity. They hope their success encourages rangatahi Māori to embrace who they are, fully and unapologetically.
“We don’t claim to be perfect or experts – we’re each on our own journey in our Māoritanga and takatāpuitanga. But we’re doing it together. We hope rangatahi see that being Māori is enough, and they find their own crew to walk that path with.”
What’s Next?
With glowing reviews from shows like Auckland Live Cabaret Festival’s Matariki Spectacular (4-6 June), The Tīwhas are gaining momentum. This winter, they’ll make their South Island debut in Christchurch at Aunty Claus’ Mid-Winter Christmas Variety Gala on July 19, performing at the Isaac Theatre Royal. But they’re not stopping there.
“We’d love to visit more small towns – Taupō, Hamilton, Gisborne – our hometowns. And we’re also looking across the ditch for new stages to slay on!”
And as for love? “We’re surprised we’re all still single! Step up and ask us out, boys!”
Catch The Tīwhas at Palmy Drag Fest, Saturday 4 October at The Regent on Broadway. Book your tickets now at palmydrag.com.
