Isla Huia - Poet & Kaiako

Isla Huia (Te Āti Haunui a-Pāpārangi) released her debut pukapuka (book) in May 2023! ‘Talia’ - her collection of poems - is an ode to a dear friend, a reclamation of language, and a gift to the people who Isla hopes to serve through her mahi (work). As a kaiako (teacher) and an artist, Isla shares her authentic self with her readers.

Isla grew up spending time in Ōtautahi (Christchurch) and Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) with an exceptionally creative whānau (family). With a mother who loved words, a father who loved to paint, and sisters who were actors and activists - Isla was swimming in artistic inspiration. Moreover, she was supported by a community where significant value was placed on creative endeavours.

At around 14, Isla started to develop her own poetry and perform at spoken word events. Through these pivotal experiences, Isla gained access to a broadening network of writers. Then, she found herself being guided and nurtured by ‘FIKA’ - a collective of Pasifika writers who were based in Ōtautahi. This group gave Isla an artistic home where she learnt invaluable lessons while tucked under the wings of older creatives.

When Isla left school, she studied Te Reo Māori at a tertiary level and later gained a Masters in Teaching and Learning. Today, she is a high school kaiako in Ōtautahi where she teaches Te Reo Māori, Māori Performing Arts, and English. Now, she is also a published author.

Despite Isla’s graduation from student to teacher, she still sees herself as a learner who is a link in a never-ending chain. Isla sees her interactions with students and readers as equal exchanges, where her creations serve as an invitation for communities to connect. She hopes that her intersectional, imperfect truths give readers a sense of the value in their own. To Isla, the retelling of shared narratives is a continuation of a sacred process that is “just so Māori”.