Editorial process

We reserve the right to determine whether submissions are published on the blog, in the magazine, or in our pukapuka. If edits are required, we will always seek your approval before publishing.

Pronouns

If you’d like to share your pronouns, you’re welcome to include them with your submission.

Multiple submissions

We accept multiple submissions and welcome simultaneous submissions.

Previously published work

Submissions may have been published elsewhere. At our discretion, we may exclude links to personal blogs or platforms if this is in the interest of our readers.

Scheduling

Publication timing is guided by our editorial and marketing schedule and may not follow the order submissions are received.

Safe space

Awa Wahine is a safe space for writers and readers. We do not publish content that includes threats of violence, hate speech, harassment, or incitement. If an edit is required to meet these values, we will discuss this with you before proceeding.

Use of your work

We will never use your writing or images outside of Awa Wahine platforms without permission. However, by submitting, you agree that excerpts of your work (with attribution) may be used for promotional purposes such as social media, posters, and marketing material.

Contributor opportunities

If Awa Wahine creates opportunities for contributors beyond publication, we will always seek your approval before proceeding.

If you have any questions about these guidelines or the submission process, please feel free to get in touch — we’re always open to kōrero.

Please send pitches and submissions to
📧 ataria@awawahine.co.nz

Images

For blog and magazine submissions, we encourage including a high-resolution image where possible. This could be:

• your own photography

• an image you have the rights to use

• or a free stock image sourced from platforms such as Unsplash or Pexels

Please ensure all images are cleared for use and appropriately credited.

If you don’t have images available, that’s okay—you’re welcome to get creative. Some contributors choose to do a simple photo shoot with a friend or document something meaningful connected to their piece.

Atua Collections

Submissions to Atua Collections do not require an image.

Pitches for interview and article ideas, draft pieces, poetry, photo essays, artwork collections, and short stories for Iwa | Issue 9 are open until midnight 28 February.

All contributors receive a complimentary copy of the magazine.

Writers selected for inclusion are paid the following fees for by invoice on the 20th of the following month.

• Poetry – $50

• Creative Writing – $150

• Essays / Articles – $150

Please note: there are no fees paid for academic journal articles or republished pieces.

Submit your writings for the next pukapuka in the atua wāhine collection, focussing on Hine-nui-te-Pō. Any writing form is welcome, from short stories and personal essays to poetry.

Submissions have not yet opened.

You don’t need to be knowledgeable about Hine-nui-te-Pō; write from your own experiences of learning about, being inspired by or connecting with them. For an example, check out Papatūānuku or the Atua Wāhine Collection.

Writers selected for inclusion are paid the following fees by invoice on the 20th of the following month:

• Poetry – $50-100

• Creative Writing / Essays / Articles – $150

Please note:

• There are no fees paid for academic journal articles or republished pieces.

• Priority will be given to writers of Māori and Pacific descent.

An excerpt on Hine-nui-te-Pō from Mana Wahine and the Atua Wāhine and other readings below:

Further references:

Hine-nui-te-Pō Te Ara

Te Awa Atua, Te Awa Tapu, Te Awa Wahine: An examination of stories, ceremonies and practices regarding menstruation in the pre-colonial Māori world