Under The Glow: Blackout Poetry Aotearoa

Blackout Poetry Aotearoa is a poetry initiative run by Hebe Kearney. Their workshops range from disasters to turning fact into fiction. The initiative is a celebration of poetry and an encouragement of chaos, using blackout poetry as an anchor for self-expression. Since 2025, they've been a fundamental part of the Auckland poetry scene. They run workshops consistently and you can follow them at @blackoutpoetryaotearoa and @he__be for all the details. They currently have an open submission for their third Blackout Poetry zine. This issue, titled Queer The Page, asks submitters to provide something colourful. You can read more about it and submit by clicking here.

Enlarge the images below to get a great insight into the work they are helping create.

We have been thinking about what to call this space, as focusing solely on poems feels limiting, given that so much talent exists beyond the scope of poems. For instance, there are great story writers and initiatives existing among us, and we want to showcase them as a whole. We would like to welcome you to a poetry initiative called Blackout Poetry Aotearoa.