On the 30th March, Te Puna Creative Hub buzzed with creativity as 24 poets, musicians, and visual artists gathered for the launch of Wordcore Wayfinders’ 2025 Illuminated Horizons project. The event kicked off with a vibrant blackout poetry workshop led by Hebe Kearney, showcasing innovative approaches to poetry creation. Three standout blackout poems were awarded $80 each and secured a spot in the upcoming NZ Poetry Day exhibition.
Attendees were treated to a delicious spread prepared by Wordcore director Shane Hollands, with ample food and drink fueling the afternoon’s creative endeavors. Following the workshop, the group convened in Te Puna Creative Hub’s theatre for an inspiring launch featuring addresses from directors Shane Hollands, Christian Jensen, and Rachael Naomi.
Adding a musical dimension, session musicians Gerhard Lottermoser and Matt Reece performed improvisational pieces, complementing poetry readings from prominent local voices, including 2024 Regional Slam Champion Lex Shoemark, Sally Legg, and Peter Rimmer. The event marked the beginning of a dynamic community of “impact storytellers,” already brewing bold ideas for their immersive performances scheduled for the NZ Poetry Day showcase in August.
All blackout poetry creations will be featured in a free digital gallery on the Wordcore website, ensuring the energy and creativity sparked at Sunday’s event continue to illuminate horizons throughout the year.
CLICK HERE to dive into the creativity!
The Trusts through The Good Home Lincoln Road were proud to support this event via our Supporters Club.
If your organisation/group has an initiative that could benefit from community funding, or if your team is looking for that extra edge, visit our Supporters Club Donations page to learn more and apply.
