The New Zealand Poet Laureate blog: The New Zealand Poet Laureate Award

Poetry is an essential part of New Zealand culture, with a proud and vibrant history. In May 2007 the government announced the New Zealand Poet Laureate award to be established and administered by the National Library of New Zealand. This award replaced the Poet Laureate Award created by Te Mata Estate in 1996. Te Mata Estate remains involved in the new award in a supporting role.

The title of New Zealand Poet Laureate is awarded to an accomplished and highly regarded poet who has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand poetry. In this highly public role, the first Poet Laureate must be able to communicate a passion for poetry, be a strong advocate for poetry and have an interest in digital publication.

Auckland poet Michele Leggott was announced as the inaugural Poet Laureate under the new award in December 2007. The Poet Laureate is selected biennially and receives an award of $50,000 per year. The Poet Laureate is also presented with a tokotoko (a carved walking stick) for ceremonial use as well as a stipend of Te Mata wine. The Laureate is selected by the National Librarian/Chief Executive of the National Library after a nomination process.

As part of the new award, items such as the Poet Laureate’s drafts, creative processes (including video interviews, podcasts, readings, and online publications) and published work will be preserved in the National Library’s National Digital Heritage Archive and in the collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

History of the Poet Laureate award

Te Mata Estate winery established the New Zealand Poet Laureate award in 1996, its centenary year. The award recognised outstanding contributions to New Zealand poetry.

Each poet was appointed for two years and received a grant from Te Mata Estate, together with an individual tokotoko symbolising their achievement and status.

Past Te Mata New Zealand Poet Laureates

2005-2006 Jenny Bornholdt

Bio from the Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature

Publications, bio, gallery and online works

Collection of poems and images

2003-2004 Brian Turner

Bio from the Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature

Featured poems at New Zealand Electronic Poetry Centre website

Collection of poems and images

2001-2002 Elizabeth Smither

Bio from the Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature

Publications, bio, gallery and online works