Talented poets are well-versed about Matariki
The winners of the second annual Te Toi Kupu o Puanga me Matariki Poetry Competition have been announced with some superstar entries.
The competition celebrates creativity and cultural expression through poetry (ngakau tuhituhi) in both English and Te Reo Māori.
The competition invited entries from residents of the Far North, focusing on three meaningful themes:
- Remembrance: Honouring those who have passed since the last rising of Matariki.
- Celebrating the Moment: Flowing with the rhythms of life.
- Looking to the Future: Anticipating the promise of a new year.
This year’s competition received an impressive 65 entries, showcasing the incredible talent of participants. The selection process proved both rewarding and challenging for the judges.
The winners are:
- First Prize ($700): The Tangi Rain is Over by Debby Curreen
- Second Prize ($500): Whakahii, Whakahaa by Wikitoria Makiha
- Third Prize ($150): In the Stars by Vita Lightbourne
- Commended ($50): Flipside by Margaret Tolladay
Congratulations to the winners and thanks to every participant for sharing their work.
First place: The Tangi Rain is Over by Debby Curreen
the tangi rain has stopped,
finally
the earth is sodden and heavy
the pain in our hearts too.
while our minds swell with memory
our spirits limp through the days as
our rangitahi now rest in the arms of our tupuna.
the tangi rain is over.
the absent face of the sun
breaks apart dark clouds of grief
that have hung for three days
over our whenua.
shade
we never asked for
unbidden, strangling
pain
wailing good byes
dearly departed lifted away into the skys.
if feels like the tangi rain goes on forever.
the sun shines
drying the last drops
from a silent cross that's
keeping watch, while guiding
a young soul on the path to eternity.
Te Rerenga Wairua sends thunder
waves beat the rocks with farewells.
standing on the headland
tossing
goodbyes with roses
arohanui mai
we love you... (come back)
Matariki has begun
our waka is moving across the heavens
Pohutakawa comes
and we will meet again in the Heavens.
the tangi
the rain
it is now over.