WONDER: Poets Laureate

Happy 25th Poet Laureate Award
The Poet Laureate Award turns 25 this year. To celebrate, please join us for an evening of poetry with Laureates David Eggleton, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Ian Wedde, Cilla McQueen, Michele Leggott, Jenny Bornholdt, Brian Turner, Elizabeth Smither, Bill Manhire, Vincent O’Sullivan with MC Greg O’Brien.

This event will also launch Throw Net/ Upena Ho'olei: a suite of poems from Hawai'i by David Eggleton our current Poet Laureate; a hand-printed edition by Brendan O’Brien of Fernbank Studio with illustrations by David’s brother - Tonu Shane Eggleton.

About the Poet Laureate Award
John Buck of Te Mata Estate Winery in Hawke’s Bay conceived of the Laureate Award for poetry in 1996 to mark 100 years of grapes grown on Te Mata land. The National Library was given responsibility for the Award in 2007. The Award includes a stipend, assistance with participation in poetry events and a Laureate tokotoko, all of which have been carved by Jacob Scott. The Laureates receive their tokotoko at Matahiwi marae near Havelock North, an occasion which maintains the connection between the Award and its place of origin.

Thanks to our supporters
A free event in association with the ALT100 exhibition Mīharo Wonder: 100 years of the Alexander Turnbull Library. Supported by Te Mata Estate Winery and Te Puna Foundation

Check before you come
Due to COVID-19 some of our events can be cancelled or postponed at very short notice. Please check the website for updated information about individual events before you come.

For more general information about National Library services and exhibitions have look at our COVID-19 page.

Image: Still life with oranges, 1973. Artist: Flora Scales (1887-1985) ATL: A-262-028. This wonderful work by Flora Scales features in Miharo Wonder, National Library Gallery until 2 October 2021.