Apirana Taylor
Home
rain washed
sunblessed
wind swept
secret kept
village on the
lip of the sea
calm and blue
laced with waves
or stormy Paekakariki
people Kapiti
southern isle
on the edge
of my eye
morning sky
a train ride
from the city
sunsets like
jewels home
for me
Kāpiti Island view from my window
Painting: Apirana Taylor
Photo: Christine Johnson
Photo: Himiona Grace
Apirana Taylor, of Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Ati Awa and Pākeha descent, has published several collections of poetry, short stories and novels. He has also published prolifically in other mediums including sound and video recordings.
He writes for children and theatre, and is involved in acting, and teaching drama. Apirana is also a painter. Taylor’s first collection of poetry, “Eyes of the Ruru”, established his powerful voice among Maori writers and his prose, written predominantly in realist modes, firmly established his literary presence.
In 2025 he was awarded the Prime Minister's Literary Award for Poetry.
Place of birth: Wellington
Now living in: Paekakariki
