Apirana Taylor

"the crocodile instrument...I kind of felt inspired to learn about Māori culture more.." ," I enjoyed your funny faces and your poem about your daughters", "you know so much about Māori culture and that's really cool", "it made me feel many emotions including intrigued and happy...I learned lots of stories and poems I didn't know about...", "I learned lots about the Māori culture and I felt inspired to learn more", "Your music and poems were beautiful and my favorite part was when you threw the air plane and read it", "when someone had to read the air plane poem and everyone else had to say something back", "the part about your kids made me laugh a lot", "I had lots of mixed emotions throughout the performance, all good though....one favourite part was how you played that one instrument with your nose, that really inspired me to learn how to do that", "From your performance I learned more about the Māori gods...", "after the performance I felt inspired to learn more about Māori culture and write my own stories", "I learned that poems can be funny", "I liked all the instruments...I felt inspired to find out how vibrations change sound", "I liked it when you stomped down and it scared everyone and made them jump from their seats...entertaining".

About 20 students from years 7 - 13 attended Api's writing workshop.

Here is a poem that Ren Maas Yr 13 wrote in this workshop.

Towering over the Anora, The Spine runs high.
Beware of your steps lest the consequences be nigh.

Atop the craggy peaks nature’s sorrow is born.
The crack of lightning signals the approaching storm.
Pray the magic of the soul holds true,
an unwavering compass, guiding you through.
'Til once again you lay to bed,
with Astra’s lights glimmering overhead.

In the words of 8DM - "Thanks so much for such an amazing performance Apirana and for sharing your talents with us" 

This event was made possible by the generosity of Reading NZ Te Pou Maramara.

Ngā mihi nui