essa may ranapiri

essa may ranapiri (Ngaati Raukawa, Te Arawa, Ngaati Puukeko, Takataapui, Clan Gunn) is a poet who lives on whenua Ngaati Wairere. Their first book of poetry ransack (VUP) was longlisted for the Ockham Awards 2020. They were the featured writer in Poetry New Zealand Yearbook 2020 with their work ‘HAUNT|HUNT’. Their second book ECHIDNA was published in 2022 through Te Herenga Waka University Press. In 2023 ranapiri was the recipient of the Janet Frame Poetry Award and the inaugural Keri Hulme Award. They are co-editor of Kupu Toi Takataapui with Midden Rahurahu. They have a great love for language, LAND BACK, and hot chips. They will write until they’re dead.