Polynation : A collection of poetry

Polynation is an exquisite book of poetry that will stretch the mind and the heart, with political crispness, gentle romantic musings, and, above all, deep connection to his family and his home

Fa'afetai Ta‘ase was born on 8 July 1965, the son of Vaotupu and Levine Ta'ase. The family lived in Cannons Creek and was well known in Porirua, contributing to the community as teachers, church leaders and artists. Fa‘afetai had cerebral palsy and spent his early years in and out of hospital. Porirua was his home, and he was educated there and in Wellington. Fa‘afetai started out as a performance poet in the 1980s. His work explores themes of identity, family, love, faith and politics with a New Zealand-born Pacific lens. He writes with a sharp eye and a warm heart.

Illustrator Sam Sakaria drew inspiration from Fa'afetai’s poems to create the imagery in the book. As well as through his artwork, Sam is woven into this book as one of Alofa’s former students and a member of their family’s church.