Welcome to a new series in which our favourite poets take us under the hood of one of their poems, inspired by the How to Read My Poem session at Verb Festival.

Jane Arthur explains her phobia of sincerity and the experience of writing through the daze of new parenthood, in the story behind ‘The Real Reason Why Hollywood Won’t Cast Jane Arthur Anymore’, from her book Craven.

About a year ago, I...

After experiencing racism in Tauranga firsthand, Shilo Kino discovered the prevalence of racism in the city is fostered by anti-Māori councillors and citizens alike.

I used to think Tauranga was the most underrated beacon of paradise Aotearoa had to offer. I have so many fond memories of packing up the car and road-tripping to the Mount. I was seduced by the summer rays, the waves, the epic waterfalls...

Is Hell other people, other Pacific people, or something different altogether? Sepe Mua’au considers Victor Rodger’s Uma Lava at Circa Theatre.

Entering Circa Two, we are met with a dark and dingy room lit almost exclusively by red fluorescent lights placed above and around the set; what used to be white walls now drip with mould and filth. A large tapa cloth, dimly lit, hangs stage right and next to...