National slam poet champ Te Kahu Rolleston is touching down in Greerton today to speak at a slam poetry workshop.

Hosted by Tauranga Writers, the workshop will be held from 2pm - 4pm at Greerton Library in Chadwick Road.

The 'Taniwha of Slam Poetry', Te Kahu won the National Slam Poetry Competition in 2014 and in his final performance gave a moving speech about the Rena wreck and the effect of its oil spill.

A spoken word poet and educator, he was invited to attend the Banff Centre’s Indigenous Writing Programme alongside Witi Ihimaera in 2015.

Of Ngai Te Rangi descent, Te Kaha is from Matakana Island and studied at Waikato University, graduating with a double degree in Maori Media and Communication and Maori and Pacific Development.

Some of his work has included working at Enviroschools to create and deliver poetry resources and workshops for youth.

Speaking to RNZ's Kathryn Ryan in 2021, he shared how slam poetry isn’t quite theatre but sits somewhere between it and conventional poetry

"A descendant of Tauranga moana who uses creative language to convey my experiences and perspective to others. Spoken word poetry for me, like for many others has been an outlet to release maemae and works as a tool of healing among many other things," says Te Kaha alongiside his contribution to the Tumanako Booklet.

Recognised for his rhythmic poetry with lyricism and punchlines,Te Kahu’s poetry speaks to what it means to be Māori, combining mythology, history and modern politics, says a Tauranga Writers group spokesperson.

"His work often honours his ancestors, the land, and the ongoing Māori struggles for Tino Rangatiratanga and socio-economy betterment.

"Te Kahu works extensively in schools and in the community, teaching spoken word and promoting poetry as a way of learning."

The Slam Poetry Workship with Te Kaha Rolleston is being held from 2pm - 4pm at Greerton Library, today, Sunday August 20. Cost is $15 (or $10 for Tauranga Writers members). Cash only please, as EFTPOS is not available at these meetings.

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For information about Tauranga Writers go to the website, or Facebook page, or contact taurangawritersnz@gmail.com. Sunday Focus Sessions are held every third Sunday in the Heremanuhiri Room at Greerton Library from 2-4pm. Work in Progress meetings are held on the first Thursday at the Wesley Methodist Church on 13th Avenue from 7-9pm.