One of the best sources of Pasifika poetry for young adults (and some suitable for younger students) is the Pasifika poetry collection found on the New Zealand Electronic Poetry website. It is compiled by Selina Tusitala Marsh, the talented author of Fast-talking PI, Auckland University lecturer and a popular speaker in schools.

The collection features Marsh, Tusiata Avia, Karlo Mila, Robert Sullivan, Albert Wendt, Sia Figiel, and other poets - some unpublished. The front page is a picture gallery of the poets: each picture opens to an introductory blurb and a menu of audio, video or print items: feature articles, poems being performed or in print, interviews with or articles by the poets. Events and Links (bottom right) widen the selection.

Many Pasifika and Māori students learn best by imitation and performance, and this valuable and varied resource brings poetry alive allowing students to explore it individually or collectively.

Review by Rob

image by teachernz