Society pays tribute to passing of an iconic poet

NZ Society of Authors pays tribute to the passing of an iconic poet

The death of Hone Tuwhare, a much-loved and respected poet, is a sad loss for New Zealand literature, says Paul Smith, President of the New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc).

"For over 40 years Hone Tuwhare has been a unique voice in New Zealand literature."

And poet Kevin Ireland, a former NZSA President recalls meeting Hone in 1949 and later staying with him in Wellington, during the waterfront lockout.

"Hone told me that he had published poems in union magazines and pamphlets. He read some of his poems to me and I can remember how political they were, yet how they had something extra: a kind of brilliant knowing-naivety" he said.

"He was a born poet, and his poems were a natural art. Over the years I loved seeing him and enjoying that wink of those who had been in it from the very beginning. A signal of mischief and comradeship. Unforgettable."

ENDS

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