Michael O’Leary is a poet, novelist, publisher, performer and bookshop proprietor who has been a magnetic figure for many other contemporary New Zealand writers. He writes in both English and Māori; and his diverse and prolific work in poetry, fiction and non-fiction explores his dual heritage: His Earl of Seacliff Art Workshop imprint which he founded in 1984, has published some of his own prolific output, as well as many other New Zealand writers.

Michael is a trustee for the Poetry Archive of New Zealand Aotearoa (PANZA), a charitable trust dedicated to archiving, collecting and promoting New Zealand poetry.

His latest book, which has just been released "Collected Poems 1981 - 2016" is a thirty-five year retrospective from an important Irish-Maori influenced writer. It offers the most complete view so far of O'Leary's remarkable literary achievement and offers a body of original and significant work that continues to grow stature and regard in Aotearoa New Zealand and world literature.

Check out the Museum display "Writers & Poets of Paekakariki".

Books by local poets are available for purchase, some of these are not seen in the usual bookshops.

Catch the train - It stops right at our door.
Entry by koha.