General Poetry Submissions


  • Submit up to four poems in one document.
  • There is no preferred style or mode of poetry at takahē. Our poetry editor, Erik Kennedy, says: 'Send us the sort of poems that only you can write. I value poems that engage with the world with urgency, sensitivity, authenticity, and flair. Poetry is not just a game (although it can be one); it is a way of counting our losses and honouring what we have.'
  • Simultaneous submissions are welcome (truly!), but please notify us immediately (using the Messages function) if your work is accepted elsewhere.
  • During a given submissions period, please only submit in one category of the following: poetry, fiction, or comics. (This is so we can represent as broad a range of writers as possible.)
  • Please wait for a response before submitting again. One submission only per submissions period. We have a large volume of submissions, we read with care, and response times may vary. 
  • Work can be in English, or in Te Reo Māori with English translation.
  • Guest Poetry places are by solicitation only. 
  • Submissions are accepted year-round, but the deadlines for each issue are as follows: 31 December for the April issue, 30 April for the August issue, and 31 August for the December issue.
  • Payment for published work is NZ$45 for the first poem and NZ$35 for each additional poem. Payments are via bank transfer domestically. Payments to contributors outside Aotearoa New Zealand are via PayPal and may not be possible where there are excessive fees.
  • For questions about submitting, or about individual submissions, get in touch at poetry@takahe.org.nz.


We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.