For Angus Hellen, poetry isn’t just a creative outlet — it’s a way to navigate the complex terrain of life, land, and identity. Born and raised in Whaingaroa and now living in New Plymouth, the 29-year-old poet has recently published his debut collection, Yurt Sonnets, through publisher Kahuku,ra Books.
A Winter in a Yurt Sparks a Sonnet Series
The seed for Yurt Sonnets was planted during a three-month winter stint in a remote yurt on the Taranaki coast, where Angus and his partner were house-sitting. With part-time work and plenty of time to reflect, he dove headfirst into writing. Inspired by James K. Baxter’s Jerusalem Sonnets, Hellen began experimenting with the sonnet form.
“I had no idea what a sonnet was,” he laughs. “But after some research, I realised how powerful the structure could be. I let go of rhyming and just focused on 14 lines, 10 syllables per line.”
The result is a haunting, sharp-edged collection that reflects both the natural beauty and uneasy history of Aotearoa. The poems weave together criticism of colonialism and modern farming practices with raw nostalgia and reverence for the land — particularly the dramatic landscapes shaped by Taranaki Maunga.
A Raglan Upbringing, Still Echoing
Though he left Raglan after primary school, Angus speaks fondly of his upbringing in Whaingaroa — the freedom, the wharf missions and the chicken satay sticks from the bakery.
“I didn’t grow up with religion,” he says, “so I feel like much of my personal spiritual growth took its form in Māori mythology. Looking back, that education massively shaped my worldview.”
Returning to Raglan now brings mixed feelings — part homecoming, part dislocation. “It’s still home in a way, but also like so much water has moved under the bridge,” he reflects.
Poetry as Healing and Resistance
For Hellen, poetry has been a way to reclaim the joy of storytelling he felt as a child, before the education system dulled his creative spark. Encouraged by a friend who self-published, he began writing again during his early twenties while travelling and journaling.
Now, poetry is both a deeply personal tool and a cultural act of defiance. “It’s how I explore my inner landscape. It’s opened my eyes and given me a platform to be vulnerable.”
He sees writing — especially poetry — as a potential balm for Aotearoa’s mental health struggles. “I’m not saying poetry can fix it, but it’s a tool. It’s one way in.”
A Resurgence in Verse
Hellen believes poetry is rising in New Zealand, especially among younger creatives. With more platforms and community support, he hopes poetry can re-enter the cultural mainstream without losing its edge.
“Poetry has always been a platform for criticism, for pushing back,” he says. “I’m so excited to see what the next wave of poets brings to the table.”
For those curious to start writing, Hellen has a simple message: “Be playful. Be vulnerable. Don’t worry if it’s good — just get it out.”
by Gabrielle Dumberry
