26 June 2008: Poet Laureate tokotoko gets iwi blessing

The blessing of the Poet Laureate tokotoko in Wellington in late June was another historic milestone in the newly established Government-sponsored Poet Laureate programme. In a moving ceremony, Ngati Kahungunu came to the National Library by the bus-load and blessed the Poet Laureate tokotoko, which will be on permanent display in the National Library foyer.

The tokotoko was made by renowned carver Jacob Scott of Ngati Kahungunu and its unique designs tell the story of the Poet Laureate programme, intertwining the people, places and relationships that are its origins. This includes the special relationship between Ngati Kahungunu, the National Library and the Poet Laureate programme, which has its origins in Hawke's Bay.

This ceremony builds on the February Poet Laureate event at Matahiwi Marae where Michele Leggott, New Zealand's Poet Laureate, was welcomed on to the marae, home of the Ngati Kahungunu. People from all over the country, including the Minister responsible for the National Library, came to welcome Michele as our first Government-sponsored Poet Laureate, but also to pay tribute to the late Hone Tuwhare.

The Poet Laureate Award is administered by the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa and recognises the important role poetry plays in New Zealand's art and culture and in defining our national identity.