this is the path of the sacred activist
       one who stands freely on the precipice
            with a heart that's open to seeing the dark
                 with a heart  that's not afraid of being the spark

Redwood Reider (they/them) is a spoken word poet known for inspiring and uplifting live audiences. Performances range from intimate storytelling and journeys through the body and mind to eco-political activism (and sometimes all of these happen at the same time).

Redwood's rhymes grow out of a deep connection to earth, a love of community and a passion for justice and healing of our inner and outer worlds. Words flow from the heart with humour and compassion – aiming to reconnect us all with our true nature.

Redwood frequently collaborates with live musicians, on stage and in the recording studio. They have cocreated four albums of poetry with music. They have won a variety of honours for their poetry, including multiple stints as a regional poetry slam champion. Redwood is also author of an award-winning book of creative nonfiction, Dreaming the Biosphere.

Born and raised in northern California, Redwood has worked on ecological projects in a variety of cultures and countries. For over a decade they have been based in Golden Bay, Aotearoa New Zealand.