Apirana Taylor (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, and Ngāti Ruanui) is known for his powerful poetry readings and magical storytelling. He comes from a long line of writers, actors and directors. At the age of 21 he opted out of university, put a notebook in his back pack and started walking around New Zealand writing poetry as he went. He has held writers residences at both Massey and Canterbury Universities and won numerous awards for his poetry, short stories, plays and acting. His most recent book of poetry is a canoe in midstream (CUP 2009). He lives in Paekakariki.