Tanea Jane Heke is an actor, director and producer of theatre in New Zealand. In 2019 she was appointed as /Director of Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School.
Heke is a 1997 graduate from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and was appointed director at the end of 2019 after doing the role as interim director since the beginning of the year. She founded HÃÂpai Productions to create and support MÃÂori theatre in 2013 with the late Nancy Brunning. HÃÂpai Productions has a focus on making opportunities for MÃÂori women in theatre. Heke has also worked at Taki Rua Productions, Te Papa Tongarewa where she was an exhibitions manager and Creative New Zealand, where she worked with Carla Van Zon.
In 1995 Heke directed Maua Taua by Hinemoana Baker at Taki Rua Theatre as part of their Te Reo MÃÂori season performed in the MÃÂori language. In 1998 Heke directed GrandfatherSon by Kirk Torrance at BATS Theatre.
In 2020 Heke won Creative New Zealand's Making a Difference Award, NgàTohu Hautà «tanga Auaha Toi.
In the 2022 New Year Honours, Heke was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the arts and MÃÂori.