essa may ranapiri (Ngāti Wehi Wehi, Ngāti Rauakawa, Te Arawa, Ngāti Pukeko, Clan Gunn) is a poet living on the lands of Ngāti Wairere. They have a great love for language, LAND BACK and hot chips. In 2019 ia helped edit Te Rito o te Harakeke a publication in response to Ihumātao, with Hana Pera Aoake, Sinead Overbye & Michelle Rahurahu. Their first book of poetry ransack was published in 2019. ECHIDNA, their second book, was published in 2022 through Te Herenga Waka University Press. They will write until they’re dead. (they/ia)

Verb Festival 2022 appearances:
Show Ponies, Fri 4 Nov, 7:30pm & 9pm.

Books