It’s time to nominate the next Poet Laureate

It’s time to nominate the next Poet Laureate

The National Library of New Zealand is seeking nominations for the 2009-2011 New Zealand Poet Laureate Award.

“This is our award. It’s government-funded and everyone can have a say in who the next laureate should be, you can nominate someone on the National Library website” said current Poet Laureate Michele Leggott.”

Nominees will have made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand poetry.

The Poet Laureate is committed to writing a publishable collection and to promoting New Zealand poetry through readings and other public events. The Laureate’s drafts, creative processes (including interviews, pod casts, readings, web pages) and published work will be preserved in the National Library’s National Digital Heritage Archive and in the collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my eighteen-month term, and I’m looking forward to the appointment of the next Laureate,” said Michele. “Check out the laureate blog http://nzpoetlaureate.natlib.govt.nz/.”

After considering all nominations, a recommendation for the next Poet Laureate will be made by an Advisory Group. The National Library’s Chief Executive/Chief Librarian Penny Carnaby will appoint the Laureate. The Minister Responsible for the National Library, the Hon Dr Richard Worth, will announce the Poet Laureate in July 2009.

Poetry is an important part of New Zealand’s art and culture. Through the Poet Laureate Award the Government acknowledges the value of poetry as a part of our national identity.

The Laureate was formerly the Te Mata Estate New Zealand Poet Laureate Award. John Buck, Te Mata Estate Executive Chairman, is part of the current Advisory Committee, along with Bill Manhire, Director of the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University.

Nomination forms are available at www.natlib.govt.nz. Email your nominations to
poet-laureate@natlib.govt.nz or mail to Poet Laureate Award, PO Box 1467, Wellington, 6104.

Nominations close Friday 19 June 2009. Nominees must currently reside in New Zealand.

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The National Library of New Zealand is seeking nominations for the 2009-2011 New Zealand Poet Laureate Award.

“This is our award. It’s government-funded and everyone can have a say in who the next laureate should be, you can nominate someone on the National Library website” said current Poet Laureate Michele Leggott.”

Nominees will have made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand poetry.

The Poet Laureate is committed to writing a publishable collection and to promoting New Zealand poetry through readings and other public events. The Laureate’s drafts, creative processes (including interviews, pod casts, readings, web pages) and published work will be preserved in the National Library’s National Digital Heritage Archive and in the collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my eighteen-month term, and I’m looking forward to the appointment of the next Laureate,” said Michele. “Check out the laureate blog http://nzpoetlaureate.natlib.govt.nz/.”

After considering all nominations, a recommendation for the next Poet Laureate will be made by an Advisory Group. The National Library’s Chief Executive/Chief Librarian Penny Carnaby will appoint the Laureate. The Minister Responsible for the National Library, the Hon Dr Richard Worth, will announce the Poet Laureate in July 2009.

Poetry is an important part of New Zealand’s art and culture. Through the Poet Laureate Award the Government acknowledges the value of poetry as a part of our national identity.

The Laureate was formerly the Te Mata Estate New Zealand Poet Laureate Award. John Buck, Te Mata Estate Executive Chairman, is part of the current Advisory Committee, along with Bill Manhire, Director of the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University.

Nomination forms are available at www.natlib.govt.nz. Email your nominations to
poet-laureate@natlib.govt.nz or mail to Poet Laureate Award, PO Box 1467, Wellington, 6104.

Nominations close Friday 19 June 2009. Nominees must currently reside in New Zealand.

Ends