If I had to pick just one word to sum up my term as Poet Laureate, it would be: community. Everything that I’ve done or experienced in the role over the past three years has been possible because of people who see the power of poetry to bring people together – whether it’s in a creative writing workshop for students or including a poetry reading on the line-up of a musical festival.
Poetry is written from a poet’s individual perspective and experience, but once their poems are released into the world, in print or from a stage, they take on a life of their own. I’ve seen the spark in people’s eyes when a poem connects with them or they experience poetry in a way that changes their perceptions of what’s ‘allowed’. Whether that spark is a moment of delight or recognition, it’s the unmistakable power of words and storytelling to help us to make sense of ourselves and the world.
We’re so lucky to have a thriving poetry scene in Aotearoa. Visit one of our independent bookshops and you’ll see shelves and tables bulging under the weight of new poetry releases. There are regular open mics, slams and readings in many towns and cities, and plenty of places to find poetry online and in print. Read NZ’s 2025 National Reading Survey found that 32% of adults in Aotearoa have read a poetry book all or part way through in the past 12 months, a significant increase from 25% in 2021. Ka rawe!
However, we can’t take any of this for granted. It’s been a tough time for artists and creatives: funding is scarce, venues are shutting down and audiences are understandably being more cautious with where and how they spend their money. There’s also A.I.’s impact on the creative sectors, which has already highlighted concerns with copyright and ethics. Despite these challenges, none of this diminishes the value of the arts and how they contribute to health and well-being.
It’s been a privilege to travel around Aotearoa and the world sharing my work, connecting with audiences, and promoting the incredible poets and poetry we have in this country. Every conversation, interaction and event has changed my own ideas about poetry and reenergised my love for it.
Although my focus has been on Aotearoa’s poets and poetry, I’ve also met many international poets during my term. I’ve shared stages with people whose work I’ve admired for years, like UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Warsan Shire, Sandra Cisnero and Nicholas Wong, as well as poets previously unknown to me like Andre Bagoo, Babs Gons, Daryl Lim Wei Jie, Felipe Franco Munhoz, Phodiso Modirwa, Kim Moore and Joanna Yang.
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| Ōrongohau | Best New Zealand Poems 2023 event, Te Papa, August 2024. Pictured left to right are: Cadence Chung, Jackson McCarthy, Hannah Mettner, Leah Dodd, Sinead Overbye, Arihia Latham, Chris Tse, Emma Shi, Isla Huia, harold coutts and Tracey Slaughter |
It’s impossible to thank everyone who has supported me during my term, but I would like to mention a few people: Rachel Esson and the team at the National Library for welcoming me as part of their whānau; Peter Ireland for his sage advice and care; Zoe Roland, Reuben Love, David Vieco and everyone who has assisted with the many events we’ve put on; Phantom Billstickers; Jacob Scott; Matahiwi Marae; Te Mata Estate; and Aotearoa’s incredible independent book stores.
I also want to thank the many festivals, event organisers and organisations who have invited me to perform or speak. Thank you for your hospitality and for creating spaces for poets to shine.
To the poets I met on my travels – it’s been a joy to read your work and perform alongside you, seeing first hand the ways you bring your stories and truths into the light.
Finally, I wouldn’t have made it through the past three years without the love and support of my parents, family, friends and colleagues. Thank you for putting up with my absences and for making sure I took time out to recharge.
It’s been an honour to be New Zealand’s Poet Laureate. Nothing could’ve prepared me for the incredible adventures I’ve had over the past three years. I wish whoever steps into the role all the best – I can’t wait to see all the amazing things they’ll do during their term.
Keep writing, keep reading and keep sharing. Poetry can be found everywhere you look, especially where you least expect it. And don’t forget to visit the National Poetry Day website to see what’s happening near you this week.
Until we meet again... mā te wā.
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| Audience at the ‘(Re)geneartion next: The Poet Laureate steps down’ event. Photo by Chris Tse. |
