The New Zealand Poet Laureate Award was established in May 2007. It is funded by the New Zealand Government and administered by the National Library of New Zealand. The New Zealand Poet Laureate Award is based on the Te Mata Estate New Zealand Poet Laureate established in 1996, which it superseded.
Te Mata Estate New Zealand Poet Laureate Award – Te Mata website
Inaugural Poet Laureate, 2008-2009
Michele Leggott is the first New Zealand Poet Laureate. You can learn about Michele and her activities on the New Zealand Poet Laureate blog.
Role of the Poet Laureate
The role of the New Zealand Poet Laureate will be shaped by the skills and experience the appointed poet brings to the position.
The Poet Laureate will:
- Have made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand poetry
- Be an accomplished and highly regarded poet
- Be able to adequately fulfil the public role required of a Poet Laureate
- Be a strong advocate for poetry.
The Poet Laureate may create work in any or all of the official languages of New Zealand.
Key accountabilities include:
- Producing a collection of poems of publishable quality
- Hosting, as required from time to time, poetry-related functions/activities
- Seeking to raise the national consciousness to a greater appreciation of the reading and writing of poetry
- Archiving creative/work processes with the National Library of New Zealand, for preservation in the Alexander Turnbull Library collections and National Digital Heritage Archive
- Time spent at the National Library in Wellington during the laureateship, this may include using the collections and facilities and/or hosting events.
Administration of the Award
The Laureate will normally serve a term of two years and receives an
award of $50,000 (before tax) per annum along with a stipend of Te Mata
wine from the Te Mata Estate and a tokotoko from the National Library.
Tokotoko
The carved matua tokotoko (ceremonial walking stick), usually presented to the poet when their appointment is announced, is a distinctive element of the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award. The National Library will care for the tokotoko, which will be displayed at the Library when it is not required for ceremonial occasions.
Laureates will also receive an individual tokotoko, a 'speaking stick', at the start of their tenure. The relationship between the two sticks refers to the kaunoti or firesticks concept, in which two sticks are rubbed together to create fire.
Tenure of the Award
In 2007, the term will commence in January 2008 and conclude on 30 June 2009. From 2009 the two-year term will reflect the government financial calendar, from 1 July to 30 June.
Eligibility for the Award
A nomination process will be held for the Award every two years. Candidates must currently reside in New Zealand. Past Te Mata poet laureates are eligible for nomination.
Nominations for the Award
Nominations for the Award are sought by the National Librarian/Chief Executive of the National Library from representatives of New Zealand libraries, universities, creative writing programmes, arts bodies and professional organisations. The National Librarian/Chief Executive appoints the New Zealand Poet Laureate after reviewing nominations and seeking further advice as necessary.
New Zealand Poet Laureate Advisory Group
The New Zealand Poet Laureate Advisory Group provides advice to the National Librarian/Chief Executive on the selection of the Poet Laureate.
Current membership of the Advisory Group:
- John Buck, Executive Chairman of Te Mata Estate
- Lydia Wevers, Director, Stout Research Centre for New Zealand Studies, Victoria University of Wellington
- Bill Manhire, Director, International Institute of Modern Letters, Victoria University of Wellington
- Chris Szekely, Chief Librarian, Alexander Turnbull Library.
Members are appointed by the National Librarian/Chief Executive of the National Library. In future years, membership may include past Poet Laureates.
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