Apirana at Waiopehu

Apirana at Waiopehu

Decorated poet, painter, actor, playwright and musician Apirana Taylor shared in some magic at Waiopehu College last week.

Apirana believes in helping young people bring their talents to light. He also visits libraries, prisons and art galleries, but seeing raw talent in rangatahi is a real perk of the job.

“It’s one of the most wonderful things in my life. Young people can get terrible press but when they feel relaxed they open up . . . we have such talent. They just need to trust you,” he says. “It’s rewarding to see it.”

Apirana reads poetry and then helps the students with poetry and storytelling workshops.

“They produce beautiful work, beautiful poetry,” he says. “There is power in words. They are our main means of communication so if we can use them well . . . that’s powerful.”