Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand | Te Whare Waituhi Tamariki o Aotearoa
Support Us
Login
Register

Profile

Apirana Taylor

Apirana Taylor, of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Ruanui descent, has published six collections of poetry, four short story collections, two novels, and three plays.

He has also been included in multiple anthologies and has published prolifically in other mediums, including sound and video recordings. He writes for children and the theatre, and is involved in acting and teaching drama.

Taylor’s first collection of poetry, Eyes of the Ruru, established his powerful voice among Māori writers. Taylor’s novel Five Strings was published in May 2017 by Anahera Press.

Apirana Taylor 2025

Selected bibliography:

  • In the Cracks of Light (Canterbury University Press 2025)
  • Pepetuna (Eres 2019)
  • Five Strings (Anahera Press 2017)
  • Te Ata Kura = The Red Tipped Dawn (Canterbury University Press 2015)
  • The Breathing Tree (Canterbury University Press 2015)
  • A Canoe in Midstream, poetry (Canterbury University Press 2010)
  • Iti te Kopara (The Pohutukawa Press 2000)
  • Kohanga and Whaea Kairau: Mother Hundred Eater (The Pohutukawa Press 1999)
  • Soft Leaf Falls of the Moon (The Pohutukawa Press 1996)
  • He Tangi Aroha (Huia 1993)
  • Ki te Ao: New Stories (Penguin Books 1991)
  • He Rau Aroha (Penguin Books 1986)
  • Eyes of the Ruru (Voice Press 1979)

Awards:

  • 2024 Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement

Other Resources:

Read NZ Writers File

 

 

Sign Up

for Storylines e-news and updates

E-News and Updates

Access all the Storylines member benefits, free entry to selected events, reduced entry fees & more...

Become a member

About Us

Storylines Trust Te Whare Waituhi Tamariki and Friends of Storylines Te Pou o Te Whare Waituhi Tamariki together form New Zealand’s only national organisation working year-round to promote New Zealand children’s and young adult literature through activities that include a major national Story Tour to schools, early childhood centres and communities, and awards for writers, illustrators and those who work in the area of New Zealand children’s literature

Website proudly designed and built by Benefitz

Browse

Support Us

Storylines welcomes your support for all its activities and events. Whether as a volunteer or sponsor for annual events or specific activities, your support (large or small) towards helping young New Zealanders love books is greatly appreciated.

Sign Up