2020

Pōneke raised, Samoan writer Nafanua Kersel lives in Mangatahi, Hawkes Bay. Here, she raises three free-roam children, adores her ‘aiga and writes about things and stuff - but mostly arts. Poetry is her long time introvert friend whom she has just started introducing to others. Her proudest writer moment to date is fan-girling so hard that she made it onto the back cover of an actual poetry book by her favourite poet.

2019

Gypsy. Goddess. Warrior. Witch. Rosheen FitzGerald speaks from the heart and shoots from the hip. She keeps a rambling home by the ocean, full of children and animals and aroha. She weaves words for pleasure and profit, writes features for BayBuzz, reviews for The Hook, and makes a damn fine cocktail too...

2018

Theo d'Arbois ​is a poet and musician from the Hawkes Bay. He's been writing since the age of 14, inspired by his experiences at the National Youth Drama School. He currently lives in London, where he is pursuing his dream of becoming a full-time musician and videographer. He also thinks dogs are better than cats.

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The Marie Dunningham

Spirit of the Slam Award

2020

Lily Coles

Writer of all things poetry, and occasionally fiction. Librarian (she's probably more ink and stories, than human). At home in Hawke's Bay, and wherever you can see the sea. A firm believer that mornings should start with coffee, and that love wins. Aspiring traveller and book writer (she's currently working on both).

2019

Caroline Lolohea

"It was a surprise and such a privilege to receive this award. I entered this competition to see where I can go with it and I loved every minute of it! Poetry is a platform where I can be confident, and I'm glad that I got involved because it's a platform for me to I'm able to express how I feel. My 'Dear Anonymous' poem became a Special Mention! Which was cool! I will continue to write poetry and hope to one day write a book."