I worked in the film and television Industry for the past 17 years principally as an Actor and now as Screen Writer and Director. My Acting history is vast, from the very first role I played in the Feature Film Ruby & Rata, where I played Rata, to the TV…
Robynanne Milford is a newly retired General Practitioner in Quakechurch! She published Songcatcher in 2009 and in 2012 Grieve Hopefully. She was placed second for “Tidal wave” in the Manuwatu International Poetry for Performance. She has been published in Landfall, Takahe, Poetry NZ The Press and Catalyst.
I am Wendy O’Shannessey. After a lifetime of teaching across all ages, most recently preschoolers, I am about to ‘retire’, but hopefully, I will spend a lot of that time writing children’s stories and poems. I have written in these two genres throughout my teaching career, but mostly for friends…
I am a 28 year old barista living in Wellington. I also work as a painter and paint by commision. This is my first time entering a poetry competiton. This poem is about someone looking for an answer to their life’s questions and hearing God’s voice for the first time…
Hi I’m Paul Craze, I live in Wellington New Zealand, And am a actor, writer and Dad.I have been writing Poetry since I was a young teen, and love the medium.I hope you enjoy my writing.
Born 1936 in Bayreuth, Germany. Immigrant to the USA in 1958. Retired secondary & university educator. Passionate advocate and poet of communal, regional, national, and global peace. Adjunct Professor of Social Science, Western Michigan University, retired)
Poetry is my scape, it is my mirror and my address to the world. Hello my name is Sirjana and I love words! I see them as colours visually forming beautiful shapes in front of my eyes when I hear words, They are particularly bright when I hear something that…
An engaging and topical performer from Wellington, Ali Jacs is the 2012 New Zealand National Poetry Slam Champion. After getting involved in the spoken word community in the Canadian prairies, Ali returned home to NZ in 2010 and has since played an integral role in building up Wellington’s performance poetry…
Lia Eteuati is a writer and a poet who got lost as a lawyer for over ten years but is in the process of finding her way back from the wilderness. She is currently undertaking a Masters of Creative Writing at the University of Auckland and was awarded the Sir…
Sally Strange-Love is an enigma – to herself.. Questions of Identity and Reality entangle themselves in blue within and outside of her personal space-time continuum.. Finding herself continuously led by some extreme mystic drive to actualisation, Sally Strange-Love skirts the boundaries between art and psychosis in an attempt to evade…
Glazier in Chch who enjoys poetry. I have no material for various reasons ..but will freelance .. Freelanced poem. Reads downwards P is our People approaching a Peek O how this Outcome is Obviously bleak E filled Emotions Erupting to seek T To The Tacit elite…
Sumona Apsara Parii is a passionate writer and poetess. She is also an International Bharata Natyam (South-Indian Classical Dance) and Bollywood Dancer, as well Choreographer. In addition, she is a yogini (woman who practices yoga), dance and yoga teacher, as well Reiki III Practitioner/Healer. She travels and performs Bharata Natyam…
Neomai Mark is a 29 years old N.Z born Tongan teacher living in South Auckland. She has been writing poetry since she was in Intermediate school. A have always been a lover of words, growing up in the diverse environment of South Auckland, she has always associated with people of…
Jason Kirk is the author of “Reverb: Poems” and “The Other Whites in South Africa” and the composer of “The Mirror of Simple Souls,” an opera collaboration with librettist and poet Anne Carson. He received his Master of Fine Arts in Poetry from the University of Michigan, and his writing…
Saskia Ashby is an artist/writer/performer/director/mother, based in the UK. She is happy to be involved in promoting peace. Poems “if….” and “Homo mellifluous” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
A long-time resident of Australia (and published haiku poet there), Denise Davis has genetic links with peace through her Moriori Ancestor Nunuku. Now relocated back to New Zealand, she is working on a book of modern Moriori proverbs titled, “PEACE … Ponderings for the 21st Century”. Two of her haiku…
Sandra Sarala was born in Dunedin, New Zealand. She worked with Red Mole’s Roadworks theatre company before leaving Wellington in mid 1997 for Eurasia and has resided mainly in Berlin since April 2002. Her work is largely stage based: she creates personal and intimate performance food for the soul –…
At 8 years of age, Pieta Bayley of St Andrews College Preparatory School in Christchurch, has already won prizes for her writing. From the “Letter of the Week” for her first ever submission to “The Press” reminiscing on meeting her idol Margaret Mahy, to a Highly Commended in the 2013…
Julie Kennedy, born in Christchurch, is now a Picton-based writer. The Marlborough Sounds and the local landscape inspire her writing. She has poetry in a number of anthologies and has also written two non fiction books, Katherine Mansfield in Picton and a Chronology of Picton and Queen Charlotte Sound. In…
Katie Horton is 6 and is a Year 2 student at Ilam School. Poem “The Moon Turned to Ice” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
When writing about myself the first word that springs to mind is “ordinary.” Primary and secondary schools, Teachers’ Training College then at 19 being in charge of a class of ten year olds. Career interrupted by marriage, three children and the family’s move to Hong Kong – a move that…
Ruth Bailey was born and raised in Africa, living within spaces of conflict – social, racial, communal and spiritual. She first started writing poetry at high school in the eighties, using it as a way to express her frustration at being socially marginalised. Then for over two decades she used…
Jillian Sullivan is a poet, novelist, short story writer and memoirist. Awards range from the Highlights Fiction Award in America, to the Kathleen Grattan Prize for a Sequence of Poems. She was born in Masterton in 1957 and spent thirty years near the…
Alberta is 12 years old and a pupil at Sumner School, Christchurch. She attends the Bays Cluster Writing group and wrote this instructional poem during the class. Poem “How to Grow Happiness” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
Andrew M. Bell writes poetry, short fiction, plays, screenplays and non-fiction. His work has been published and broadcast in New Zealand/Aotearoa, Australia, England, Israel and USA. His most recent publications are “Aotearoa Sunrise”, a short story collection, and “Clawed Rains”, a poetry collection. Andrew lives in Christchurch with his wife…
I am a 11 yr old girl from Christchurch. My poems, haiku and creative writing have been published in anthologies, books of collected short stories and the Tall Poppies magazine. I love reading and writing and recently participated in the Kids Lit Canterbury tournament and the Otago Daily Times spelling…
I, Imogen Grant am a young wanderer, recently finished school to learn more about the world and its ways. I spend a lot of my time in nature; watching clouds, thinking, dreaming, observing. I am working towards a dream of living a more simple lifestyle off the land, and on…
Dan Vera is a writer, editor, and literary historian living in Washington, DC. He is the author of two poetry collections: Speaking Wiri Wiri (Red Hen, 2013), the inaugural winner of the Letras Latinas/Red Hen Poetry Prize, and The Space Between Our Danger and Delight (Beothuk, 2008). His poetry has…
Kathie Weir, MFA, is the author of A Parent’s Guide to Los Angeles and A Parent’s Guide to School Projects. Her short stories have been featured in Sally Shore’s New Short Fiction Series and RipRap, and her poetry, essays, and articles have appeared in Open My Eyes, Open My Soul,…
Rosa is a 10 year old student from Huntsbury, Christchurch. She attends St Martins School and loves reading, playing the piano, swimming, netball, rainbow bands, and poetry. Rosa attended an extension poetry class at school and was encouraged to write a poem based on Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise”. The…
I am a teacher, children’s author and writing tutor based in Christchurch. I use poetry and picture books to help children access and explore peace issues. My poem is a tribute to Hiroshima survivor and author/ Illustrator Junko Morimoto and her book ‘My Hiroshima’ published by Collins, Sydney. it also…
Margaret Vos moved from Wellington to southeast London where she is enjoying new inspiration for her poetry. Her work has been published mostly in New Zealand, in Turbine 2002, the New Zealand Poetry Society’s magazine a fine line, and in their annual anthology. She served on the New Zealand Poetry…
Joan Lees’s poem “WEAVING” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
Vaughan Gunson is a writer and artist living in Hikurangi, north of Whangarei. He has been active in a range of organisations and campaigns fighting for social justice over many years. His poetry has been published in a number of magazines and journals in New Zealand, including Blackmail Press, JAAM,…
Jack is a Northland based poet who has been writing for about 5 years. Spending a lot of time on Northland’s Ripiro Beach it has become a place of reflection and rejuvenation. The son of Southland parents, his father was wounded at El Alamein and Cassino in World War 2.…
I am a 57 yr old lawyer currently doing the Creative Writing course (1st year) at MIT. I am a strong advocate of peace and love the focus of this competition that peace can be explored through poetry. Poem “Tidal Peace” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
I live in Wellington with my long time partner and our beautiful twelve year old daughter. I work full time in the hospitality industry and love the daily interaction with all walks of life. I wrote a lot in my youth and I am slowly rediscovering the joy of putting…
Robin Keown’s poem “Bush-bath” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
Jenny Argante is a long-term member of Tauranga Writers, New Zealand’s longest-running self-help group for writers. She has published short stories, poetry and prose. Her latest works are After the Act and Working in the Cracks Between. Poem “No Amnesty:” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
I am sixteen years old, I live in Auckland and attend Long bay college. I started writing at about 8 years old and have never stopped. I also love to read and in my spare time design and build many things. Poem “Ink” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014. His poetry has…
Andrew Paul Wood in a Christchurch-based writer, poet and art critic. Poem “PEACE MEDITATION” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
For most of my life, I have been writing in one form or another. Poetry, diaries, letter, stories, essays, but particularly poetry. I have been published in a number of magazines and newsletters, and entered competitions with some success. Recently I have been reading my poems in public at a…
A passionate 20 year old woman who is currently studying at Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand. Excited about creating theatre and poetry that sees the world through a new lens. Hoping to help change the world for the better through art and being. Poem “Untitled – a poem from the…
I have spent the past few years writing songs and playing in Dunedin and Wellington bands. I usually spend a few hours a week writing something, starts of short stories, poetry and songs. At the moment i have been thinking film scripts. I need to do less thinking and more…
Aotearoa born and bred, ‘rewa hard product of an amazing kiwi childhood. Aroha to Snow and Wilma, truth, love and family. Now between mfw, 1 hunga and titirangi with my sweetheart. Like sport, coach football and love my kids. Poem “Mother Nature” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
Michael Morrissey has published 22 books – these include 11 books of poetry and five works of fiction – the latest being a zany sci-fi and fantasy re-write of Romeo and Juliet in the mode of Lewis Carroll set in the far future called Tropic of Skorpeo. He was awarded…
Ko Moemoea Mohoawhenua taku ingoa. MY name is Moemoea Mohoawhenua. Ko Ngati Whatua taku Iwi. My Tribe is Ngati Whatua. I am a Independent Film Maker. I wrote this short poem about my view on war. Poem “PEACE” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
Peg Robarchek writes fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Her poetry has been published in Naugatuck River Review, Prime Number, Blast Furnace, Kakalak, Iodine and The Final Friday Anthology from Main Street Rag. Her first children’s book, ‘Bean Is Born’ was published in 2013. Her most recent novel is ‘In the Territory…
Howie Good’s latest book of poetry collection is The Complete Absence of Twilight (2014) from MadHat Press. He co-edits White Knuckle Press with Dale Wisely, who does most of the real work. Poem “The Real in Funereal” and “The Destruction of the European Jews” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
Barry Smith is a retired scientist/veterinarian who is still involved in creative pursuits, in particular writing and printmaking. He completed an assignment with UNDP in Hanoi, Vietnam in 1990. His poetic and printmaking works have been sold published and exhibited throughout New Zealand. Poem “Girls Buy Flowers” published in Poems4Peace…
I am an American expat physician/writer and I live and work in Auckland with my wife and two boys. I have had work previously published both in the US and here in NZ (Landfall,Poetry NZ,Takahe,JAAM). Poem “Our Peace Correspondent Files This Report at Dusk:” published in Poems4Peace Anthology 2014.
Ella is a 2012 graduate from Otago University. She majored in Social Anthropology and minored in Gender Studies. She has a passion for dance, poetry and story-telling. Her love for words stems from being an avid book worm at a young age, encouraged by her parents. She has only recently…
Karen Zelas is a Christchurch writer and former psychiatrist. Her poetry and short fiction have been widely published in New Zealand and Australia. Her first book of poetry, Night’s glass table, was selected as the 2012 IP Picks Best First Book by Interactive Publications, Brisbane, who also republished her novel…
2014 Emerging Poets Competition – entry closing soon Closing Date: 4 July 2014 Results will be distributed by email after National Poetry Day 2014, 22nd August 2014 Judged by poet Bob Orr First Prize: $125 worth of Auckland University Press books Second Prize: $75 worth of Auckland University Press books…
Really enjoyed the reading last night! Thanks to you and Laura for putting it all together, and steering so good-humouredly through such a baroque series of open mike’s … best to all at Printable Reality, yours, dr Jack Ross Check out my blog at http://mairangibay.blogspot.com/
please see Laurice’s full profile on NZ Poetry Society Page
Peter Matheson is a retired Presbyterian minister. He was active in the Peace Movement in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Germany and New Zealand. He has written many articles and books on peace issues and in his historical work (some 14 books) has a particular focus on the the interface between spirituality, literature and history, and on…
POEMS4PEACE – poetry submission opens Monday 24th March!
Visit our FB Page Listen “Trust is a New Love” live from AudioFoundation 15th march 2014 All is one! Three sacred forms harmonised: sound, movement, spoken…
AUP poets showcase at Pah Homestead. One of the supporters for the Page2Stage Programme
IKA WANTS TO SWIM WITH YOU – CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Ika is MIT Faculty of Creative Arts’ literary/arts journal editors Robt Sullivan & Anne Kennedy calling for contributions: fiction, poetry, non-fiction, visual art and photography electronic documents preferred limit: 8 poems, 8 images,<7000 words of prose inquiries welcome deadline 1…
SHANGHAI INTERNATIONAL WRITERS’ PROGRAMME inviting applications for residency post or email application to the Michael King Writers’ Centre before closing date of 7 March for details: http://www.writerscentre.org.nz/international_residency.php or email manager@writerscentre.org.nz
Hi Gus, Everyone looked so intensely involved in their creative process when I walked past Prema on Saturday. What a great group you had to work with. I hope you enjoyed the afternoon and thank you so much for engaging so well with your group. It was very much appreciated.…
Hi Gus, thanks for all your hard work on this great programme. What a gorgeous gathering the other night, and such a treat to hear everyone read too. Lovely place Q theatre, never been there before. Great to be involved again. It’s really exciting. Sincerely, Raewyn Alexander BIC
Hannah-Rose Owen-Wright is chosen for PAGE 2 STAGE 2014 Artist Development Programme Hannah Owen-Wright began performing spoken word regularly two years ago, whilst living in Birmingham, UK. She has performed in slams in the UK as well as at Poetry Live in Auckland. She is also intrigued by spoken word performance as…
Ya-Wen Ho is chosen for PAGE 2 STAGE 2014 Artist Development Programme Ya-Wen Ho is an enthusiastic and committed member of Auckland’s writing community. Recently her endeavors have included a performance at the Short Takes on Long Poems symposium, a book with TinFish Press, an international reading at Counterpath Press…
Maria Yeonhee Ji is chosen for PAGE 2 STAGE 2014 Artist Development Programme Maria Ji has always been passionate about reading and writing but 2013 was the first year she wrote and performed performance poetry. She came 3rd in the University of Auckland Annual Poetry Slam, was the NZ Poetry Slam Auckland…
Kirsti K. Whalen is chosen for PAGE 2 STAGE 2014 Artist Development Programme Kirsti Whalen is a seasoned spoken word performer and creative writer. At the beginning of 2013 she moved back from Melbourne, where she held an internship with The Centre for Poetics and Justice where she was able…
Rob Mokaraka is chosen for PAGE 2 STAGE 2014 Artist Development Programme Rob Mokaraka’s background is in Acting & Writing for Theatre and Film. He has held short-film writing workshops in Rarotonga and in Auckland with a broad demographic. He has written, directed, and performed in a range of produced works…
Natalie Hugill is chosen for PAGE 2 STAGE 2014 Artist DEvelopment Programme Natalie Hugill has trained as an actress for theatre, film and television. She has performed in over 13 theatre productions and also has experience in on-screen acting. For the past three years however, Natalie has extended her repertoire…
Page2Stage 2014 Mentors and Mentees have now been paired. Congratulations to the following artists: Raewyn Alexander and Hannah-Rose Owen-Wright; Natalie Hugill and Maria Yeonhee Ji; Christian Jensen and Kirsti Whalen and Rob Mokaraka and Ya-Wen Ho!
Gus It was so good to (finally) see the Lovers Walk last night. Great work! Good too, to have a copy of your poems from this work, I picked up at Lopdell yesterday. I am looking forward to attending Pah event tomorrow. Well done again with Lovers Walk, very much…
Congratulations Gus and Siri. What a successful show last night. And so fantastic to see so many people there that are not poetry regulars. You are doing a great job of extending the audience beyond the ‘converts’. Well done, must be a great feeling on the cusp of your trip.…
thanx for the entertaining night at the chocolate theatre the other week, i was impressed with the wide variety of work. i’m wondering if you may be interested in letting me perform again at any future events. i was the guy did the t.v poem with guitar. i have oodles…
Thank you Gus and Gail for accepting me in your project. I find it a blessing to work with a wonderful group like yourselves. Also with awesome poetry artist. Lee Ah yen
Thanks to everyone for such a wonderful experience… especially Gus and Gail for making it all happen! I look forward to when we get to do it again! Prema Cottingham
Thank you for an inspiring, entertaining, and soul-nourishing evening. Sally Mabelle
Yes, I enjoyed the evening, ‘Aotearoa, Found in Translation’. I heard some wonderful young people, a very good event. John McDonald
Startling, innovative show, some challenging work, quite controversial, so courageous, also some extraordinary lyricism and beauty. Excellent to see young poets with a chance to read in a theatre with professionals. Rosanna Raymond’s video sent from the UK so powerful, multi-layered and grand. This presentation can only get better every year ……
Zane Lazos is a musician and composer who uses a combination of the Turkish bowed tanbur (yaylı tanbur), saz (plucked stringed instrument), voice, and digital sampler and sequencer to realise a sonic space aimed at ecstatic dance and deep listening. This has been previously presented through the performance art project…
On February 20th, Page2Stage was launched at Q Theatre with the announcement of this year’s Mentors and Mentees. Competition was fierce, with over 30 high quality applications from experienced poets and performers. We extend our thanks to all those who applied for their interest in the programme, and we hope to…
First and foremost I am an artist. This is not a career choice or an activity I merely entertain, it is who I am, I am my work. My passion is story telling. I work in many different and sometimes very diverse mediums, but all my work shares a standard of excellence a…
is a playwright, director, presenter, actor and social media extraordinaire. Melissa has written and directed plays into Melbourne, Auckland and Wellington on numerous occasions (Motherlock, The Artefact Project, pURe) as well as Gary Henderson’s ‘Skin Tight’, ‘Tipping Point’ (won Wildcards 2, Short + Sweet, 2010) by Mark Andrew and Alex…
Sascha is a Wellington based producer and performance artist. She recently returned from 10 years working in Ireland, Poland, Netherlands and Serbia. She has created several Dance Theatre productions and films (Chimera 2011-12, Babylon2012, The Quantum Enigma 2010, Monitor 2008, Organ City 2007, Intimacy 2007,Reality Show 2005). She has performed at various theatres and festivals internationally. She studied Fine Arts in Auckland and…
Louise Pagonis is an experienced radio and TV broadcaster with her own communications company .She has a regular slot on Duncan Garners Drive show, she coaches business and organisations all over NZ on how to build their own profile in the media without using PR consultants, and she trains TV…
works as a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Massey University’s AucklandCampus. His short verse drama Scenes from The Puppet Oresteia appeared in 2011 from Narcissus Press (Rhinebeck, NY, USA). His other publications include four full-length poetry collections, three novels, and three volumes of short fiction. He has also edited a number…
– Wellington Fringe Festival . Presented show: Lovers Walk
– Wallace Art Trust Pah Homestead Wallace Art Trust – Pah Homestead – series of poetry events in VOICE and Music
– Whitespace Contemporary Art Whitespace Contemporary Art hosted several of our poetry events.
– TAPAC Show Aotearoa Found in Translation
– SOUL SOUL Centre for Body and Mind hosts series of poetry events Poetry form the SOUL
– PumpHouse Theatre Series of poetry events:inVOICE and music and shows Insomnia in a DayDream Lovers Walk
– Portrait Design Studio Props costumes and photography work for many of our shows
– The Library Bar Series of live poetry events featuring local and spoken word performance by international poets:Live at the Library Bar and Directional Poetics, Luka Lesson.
– Kawaipurapura Series of live events.Live @ Wellpark and poetry workshops
– NZ Society, London Supporting some of our planned projects
– NZ Poetry Society, Wellington Collaboration on poetry events and competition New Dialogs and New Beginnings
–NZ Study Network, London Performance Poetry events.
– Matariki Festival Presented show Aotearoa Found in Translation
– Hum Salon Poetry events and National Poetry Day
– Hauraki Theatre , Coromandel. Poetry events and shows: Lovers Walk and Insomnia in a DayDream
– First Thursdays . Poetry and performances with The White Wall
– Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Presented shows: Lovers Walk and iWas
– DubText. Produced music and live sound for number of our events and projects
– Creative Communities Scheme. Supported number of our events and projects: PAGE 2 STAGE
– Cloud9 Productions. Produced various video material for out shows.
– Basement Theatre. Presented shows: Insomnia in a DayDream and Aotearoa – Found in Translation
– AUT University Dance Company. Run workshops as a part of Intersection Programe
– Apples and Snakes, London, UK. Our inspiration and a model. Multiple projects + support for PAGE 2 STAGE Artist Development Programme.
– Auckland Regional Art Trust Awarded Printable Reality
– Auckland Multicultural Society Support for Aotearoa Found in Translation show
– Auckland Fringe Festival Presented shows: “One question:Why dont we?” in colaboration with The Literatti and Insomnia in a DayDream
– Auckland Council, Arts Alive. Supported number of our events and projects.
– Artworks Theatre, Waiheke Island. Presented shows:Insomnia in a DayDream and Lovers Walk
An occasional boat by Siobhan Harvey Aotearoa’s first waka were clouds wearing, like precipitation, our future gene-pools in their bellies. They began life in Hawaiki, Portsmouth, Apia and Hong Kong. Even now, in settlement, our people turn to their ancestors, the clouds for connection, understanding and loss. And the clouds…
grace notes by Stepahanie Christie Sometimes, the past unsettles itself, shakes and lies down again in a new position. Your story can start to come unstuck and the work left undone turns into bad men that you run from or become, or both. The redemption does seem to keep standing…
New Wave by Stepahanie Christie It was an act of defiance I laboured under. The animal body examined itself. From under the rags of self-loathing I found out the holy itch and struck out after it I got a baby blowing inside me stretching a hole into my skin for…
Revelations by Stepahanie Christie That high noise you heard was coming from your mouth. Get the kids within reach. All the people having drunken first-time sex. All the people who texted their mothers immediately. All the people who had earlier spent their last few dollars on cigarettes. When the shaking…
Stephanie Christie (formerly known as Will) creates word-based work that is written, performed or installed. With a history of making zines of her poetry, she is also interested in moving outside the edges of the page. This has recently taken her work into video and sound collaborations, devised theatre and…
Aotearoa by Sigred Yamit I walk home everyday my watch ticking to the rhythm of my pulse they say I walk so slowly I shrug and blame my tiny feet it has become a habit of mine though to stop and stare at the sky I never knew it could…
When the Creation Learns How to Feel by Sigred Yamit what am I going to do? write another ballad ….for you? about you? it’s always been about you, isn’t it? the way the edges of your lips reach the clouds of Zeus or the way you bend down as if…
Renaissance by Sigred Yamit every nook, dusted with a blush unfurling, open palms, tickled soul fine, fine strands a fluttering …open, open ……aah, opened richer than topaz light travelling to it at high speed the mouth ready to form the first vowel
Matariki Poem by Shreya Nair as evening approaches the sun radiates a dim light blurred in ablaze, settling down behind the horizon, exhausting the world of warmth. the wind blows in harsh spite the air is damp and cold but a bonfire sits, crackling with essence, shedding billows of warmth.…
Thanks by Sarah Life is memory an implanted scene movable liaisons within a dream this way, that way creating a path a life long journey For as long as it lasts an array of objects classified and named looking for reasons to make its claim that life has meaning that…
“I am the truth,I am the lie,I am the savage,I am the sigh,I am the gifted,I am the bent,I am the hungry,I am the sent,I am the wolf,I am the kitten,I am the depraved,I am the smitten, I am the lost,I am the found,I am the edge,I am the round,I…
SLEEPING WITH MOUNTAINS by Rosanna Raymond At night I sleep with mountains covered with birds on sticks and a bird beak peaking down below And me turns to we and we flock off in our effect as the clouds form an embryo across the sun It’s all part of a…
An open letter to Mr Peter Brown of New Zealand First by Renee Liang Dear Mr. P. Brown, I agree absolutely the matter of Asian immigration Demands serious attention. After all, Mr P Brown, the true definition Of a true blue Kiwi, like yourself, is, firstly, A love of the…
One day There was a pig by Reece King One day There was a pig A pig there was He went to the zoo And he kissed a kangaroo And that was the end of him.
“I would like to believe that there’s some purity in us, yeah. Naive – y’know, purposely naïve. This is the main idea behind my poetry. I Am a Painter/poet. I don’t really like saying too much about me. The real experience is up to you. Yeah, because I think it’s…
Animal Road by Raewyn Alexander ridges and ruts a frozen orange sea generations of tracks through mud empty now except for stampede echoes imagined breath noise and loneliness beside the bare earth a body skin over bone stretched with absence fallen calf for the ants insect population various this fringe…
possibly by Raewyn Alexander in a crowd and almost followed some other me disappears no one nearby understands your half-turn towards a what-if it really is her? pale hair or way of walking would you shout a word only we know? choice phrases bounce through space zig zag and zip…
hey Delilah, what’s happening in New York City? by Raewyn Alexander social media from Bettendorf. ‘wish I knew, been thinking about those staggered streets neon plunges, my head rocked watching yellow taxi cabs roll; thoughts steamed in MOMA’s pressure colour. instead I’m holed up where the earth’s edge teeters between…
Tui by Qalina You wear the color of my grief, You sing what I dare not say. You take me where I cannot fly To my home far, far away. You are so close I can touch your song, But you’ll never eat from my hand. If it weren’t for…
I Have Sailed This Body by Qalina I have sailed this body To a foreign land Where I knew nobody And could understand Neither their language Nor their ways. Some gave me shelter, Some stormed me away. Been chased by pirates Wanting to steal my jewels. Little did they know…
Handfuls of Sunshine by Qalina My passport is stamped with new possibilities, I am free to go or stay. From now on, if I don’t reach my dreams, There are no fences to blame. I am free to laugh and drink out of the tap; I am free to swim…
Qalina (pronunced “kaleena”) is Ukrainian for viburnum, a plant similar to cranberry. Its bitter berries were used for centuries in folk medicine and as a decorative plant, loved for its resilience and beauty. It is spread through Northern Hemisphere all the way to Africa. Similarly, Qalina has travelled extensively and…
The Stars by Nicole Potter As the seven stars appear, We will let our own star shine bright We forgive and forget to heaven and earth To start fresh in a new year, We celebrate with kindness and thankfulness For those who drop tears a rainbow will appear For those…
When I die by Monica Rose Yeoman When I die Carry me home If I have no home Take me to my mother’s Walk me through the streets Down the highways and byways and roads that I have loved Up the hill behind our house On fire in the month…
“Most of my writing takes the form of songs and articles for print media. I’ve always enjoyed playing with words, but spoken poetry is an area rather new to me. Song writing is my greatest passion! I am inspired by my homeland, Aotearoa, and by a journey I’m currently undertaking,…
Baggage by Michael Botur I’m imported from an Old World of atavists and anti-hijab jabs from enlightened Presidents; continent of all-conquering currency. My plane disclaims its Eurocargo on lava tarmac. We’re ethnic scraps scraped off the plate. Wide-eyed, I salivate at this space, this colonialist’s bait, I drool like Conrad…
Stories Untold by Megan Figgest An empty suitcase lies open on deck With the smell of Earth heavy in the air Women toil They fold stained linen sheets and scrub scratched wooden floors Removing the mud Moving in their restless human way The waves shape their journey Weaving the past…
“I am Megan Figgest, a 24 year old teacher of Media Studies and Drama at Rotorua Girls’ High School. I studied English, Film and Theatre at Victoria University and completed an Iowa poetry course at the Institute of Modern Letters. The poets Karlo Mila and Hone Tuwhare have influenced my…
Woven Together by Mary Bell Thornton A kilted Jacobite warrior at Culloden cried druim nan deur druim nan deur The battle cry ringing across the marsh painted tartan on The Ridge Of Tears Cleared from The Highlands kith and kin crossed the seas to Auld Reekie of the south gaps…
Mary Bell Thornton has had non-fiction, fiction and poetry published. Her works include several stories broadcast on Radio New Zealand. Mary’s writing room The Fo’c’s’le, spring nestles amongst manuka, ponga and houhere and looks out over Kenepuru Sound where she lives in retirement with her husband Peter. She writes surrounded…
Intruders by Maris O’Rourke Uprooted, flung to the middle of the Kuataika track, the dew-drenched foxglove quivers at our feet. An intruder settled in Aotearoa by the home-sick as a garden ornamental, along with broom and blackberry. An exotic escapee that put down roots, flourished among native vegetation. Like many.…
Three Firsts by Maris O’Rourke One He takes the baby out. Alone on the back seat for the first time his son begins to cry. Thrusts his legs out straight and throws his arms wide – like a panic-stricken starfish. A scarlet flush rises with his screams. White knuckles lock…
Plastic Kiwi by Lillia K Jacques Jewels of every hue glow. Rays softly filtering through the Long White Cloud reveal their richness, refracted. Indigenous / imported. Immaterial. Multi-faceted brilliance; Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic gems Solidified, fortified by the unique composition of native terrain, Adorn the crown of Aotearoa. Chips off…
Kiwi poet, musician and dramatist walking the line between respectability and white trash debauchery. Adopted, Jacques grew up torn between working-class roots and a comfortable middle-class existence. She took from each what appealed; Education and drugs, respectability and sleaze, but always grounded in her two cultural identities. The significance of…
Waiting For The World by Katie Haggath Some sunshiney sunday While you’re head-bopping back past the pane, Eclectic electric- -black skullcandy phones clamped like clams to your lobes A head-hunter walking by, and by coincidence, in your flowerbed, He’ll exclaim; burst from your beds delighted. He’s just found the ear-model…
