Beautiful feedback from Poet Ben Fagan

By the time you start getting close to Te Henga Studios, you begin to think your final destination will be a farmhouse or state-of-the-art paddock. The forest on either side of the winding road makes you think you have gone much further than the 50minute drive from Auckland.

The front of the studios is beautiful, warm colours evoking a Tuscan manor surrounded by dark Waitakere bush. I had traveled to this creative oasis to lead a poetry workshop and share some stories with local poets and poetry enthusiasts. On arrival I was led to an enclosed yurt where the workshop was to take place. Decorated with the tools of the spiritual trade, I always find circular rooms to be very democratising and relaxing.

The workshop was well attended and full of writing and laughter that made the time fly. We were fed pies by our gracious hosts before I was left alone to spend the night in the yurt.

Waking up to a very respectful rooster who started crowing at around 8am, I knew I intended to return for longer. Te Henga Studios is purpose built to relax, engage and inspire.


Ben Fagan Performance Poet • Arts Co-ordinator