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We at Samesame But Different would like to acknowledge the passing of the wonderful Aroha Awarau.

Aroha was an incredible talent with a sharp wit and a generous nature. We last had the privilege of hosting him in our festival in 2023, where he adeptly chaired a panel discussion on Q***r Rage in writing.

Aroha will be deeply missed and our thoughts and love go out to his whānau, his friends, and all those closest to him.

📣 I’ll Be Homo for Christmas first line-up drop!!!

We cannot wait for a night of camp Christmas poetry with these legends. Hosted by the brilliant and featuring poets and 🏳️‍🌈🎄

One night only so get your tickets now for this Samesame takeover!! Final three poets to be announced next week 😏 Who are you hoping to see?!

✨ The Praise the Lord Playwright Residency is back ✨

We’re thrilled to present the third year of this residency alongside and , created in memory of pioneering gay playwright Robert Lord.

Q***r playwrights are invited to submit their new plays, incomplete or complete, with the chosen applicant receiving support to develop their work across 2026. This will begin with a staged reading supported by Samesame But Different as part of Auckland Pride Festival in February.

Expressions of interest can be submitted via the Google form in our bio! Entries close midnight Monday 8 December 2025.