Apirana Taylor

Apirana Taylor is a writer, poet, storyteller, painter and actor.

Apirana Taylor was born on the 15/3/55. He is from the Ngati Porou, Te Whanau a Apanui, and Ngati  Ruanui tribes. He is also of mixed Pakeha descent. He comes from a long line of writers, actors and directors. There are many artists in his nuclear and extended family.

He was educated at Te Aute College and from there went to Massey University. He opted out of university when he rediscovered his life long ambition to write. At the age of 21 he put a notebook in his back pack and started walking around New Zealand writing poetry as he went.

Since then he has worked at many labouring jobs including working on building sites, labouring and cleaning toilets. He has also frequently been hired as a teacher. He worked at these occupations through choice, as he felt these were the kinds of places he’d find  the kind of materiel he wished to write about. He also trained as a journalist, before committing himself fully to working as an artist.  He has won awards for his poetry, short stories, plays and acting.

Since that time Apirana has lived and worked as a poet, short story writer, novelist, playwright, actor, director, storyteller, painter and musician. He earns a living mainly as a poet, story teller and actor. He is known for his powerful poetry readings and magical story telling. He is frequently invited all over the country to present his work.  He has also been invited twice to both Europe and India to read his poetry.

He has also been awarded writers residencies at both Massey and Canterbury University, Rangi Ruru School, St Andrews College and Hagley Community College.

Awards:

• Ursula Bethell Residence in Creative Writing (Canterbury University Writer in Residence) 2002.

Website:

• Apirana Taylor