Gena Bagley, 23 July 2026
Celebrating Young Writing Talent
Congratulations to Year 9 student Luke Scott, who has achieved outstanding success in the Ōtepoti Youth Poetry Competition.
Luke was awarded first place in the Year 9–10 category for his original poem, an impressive accomplishment that recognises his creativity, imagination, and skill as a young writer. We are delighted to share his award-winning work with our school community.
"For God's sake, if you're hungry go and make a marmite sandwich."
I sit down at lunch to karakia mō te kai as my tipuna taught me
Nau mai e nga hua
o te wao
o te ngakina
o te wai tai
o te wai Māori
But I find it hard to reconcile the abundant gifts of Tāne
of Rongo
of Tanagaroa
of Maru
of Rakinui and Papatūānuku
with the reality of my budget white bread sandwich
its measley spread of marmite
its crusts curling up like a politician's smirk reminding me of at home where the cupboards are baron
unless you count the solo tin of crushed pineapple that sits left over from our last food parcel
kai motuhakei is Māori motuhake.
My stomach rumbles in agreement
Ake ake ake
Luke Scott