At this event established writers will invite an, as-yet-unpublished writer that they are excited to introduce to step up onstage and read alongside them. Here is where new exciting talent will be showcased for the first time, with work that will blow your mind. Curated by Te Hā│Ngā Pou
Tuākana / Tēina:
Naomi Taylor (Ngāti Kahungunu) grew up Waiora but now lives in Wellington with her two kids and partner. Her interest in poetry started when her first baby was born. Giving birth, becoming a Māmā, never sleeping again, and, the uncertain future, is a lot to think about. Naomi's kids (and being awake so much) are her inspiration. Tēina
Waitahi Aniwaniwa McGee's sun is in Virgo and her rising, Scorpio. She has been writing poetry all her life, but only this past year has she come to realise that's what it's called. Waitahi is interested in the relationship one has with the piece they're reading. How can she provoke or disengage her audience and for what affect? Tēina
Nadine Anne Hura (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine) is a descendent of Te Tai Tokerau, lucky enough to find herself settled in the shade of Whitireia. Nadine writes essays and poetry by night and policy by day. She has three children, heaps of nieces and nephews, and credits whānau as the puna from which all her writing flows. Tuākana
Nicole Titihuia Hawkins (Ngāti Pāhauwera and Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) spends most her days as a kaiako. She is a poet, baker, step Māmā and pro-level Aunty. Tuākana
Shyon Rawiri-Hereora-Komene (Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Raukawa) is a tauira in Te Whānau at Wainuiomata High School. At kura Shyon is a scholar, an artist, a musician and a Māori activist. Tēina
Rex Paget (Samoan/Chinese/French/Danish) uses poetry and storytelling as a wayfinding tool back to his cultural and gender identity. His work is a journey of unlearning and relearning new beginnings. His nana was a healer in her village, he hopes he carries her spirit in his words. Tēina
Anahera Gildea (Ngāti Tukorehe) is a poet, essayist, writer and 'artivist' living and working in Te Whanganui-ā-Tara.
Laura O'Connell Rapira (Te Ātiawa, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Rarawa) is a campaigner, community organiser and writer. Tēina
Peta-Maria Tunui (Ngāti Kahu, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Pakehā) is a poet and creative who writes for her tīpuna and mokopuna, to heal and connect. Tuākana/Tēina
Awhina-Joanna Harris is a 13-year old from Levin. She likes writing stories about her overseas trips, her research projects and her rabbit, Fluffy. Tēina
Whitney Nuku (Ngāti Hine, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāruahine) is a former party girl, play up and self professed spinster. She met her best friend and baby daddy while living in London and writes to process the complexities of adulting - as a Māori, as a wahine and as a Māmā. They live in her whānau homestead in Te Whanganui A Tara but run back to Northland every chance they get. Tēina