New Zealand Poet Laureate in Havelock North

New Zealand Poet Laureate in Havelock North

CK Stead, the current New Zealand Poet Laureate, will be officially honoured at the Poets’ Night Out, at the Havelock North Function Centre, 7.30pm on Saturday 2 April.

CK (Karl) Stead has invited award winning poets Gregory O’Brien, Chris Price and Paula Green to share this evening with him as guest readers.

National Library spokeperson Peter Ireland says this cultural event is an important and popular occasion in Hawke’s Bay.

“Poets’ Night Out is a wonderful opportunity for Hawkes’ Bay to be part of this special occasion honouring the Poet Laureate in Havelock North, the birthplace of the Poet Laureate programme.”

Mr Stead will receive his hand carved tokotoko during a special ceremony at Matahiwi marae earlier in the day. Each Laureate receives their own tokotoko – a ceremonial carved walking stick –symbolising their authority and status. The National Library holds the matua, or parent tokotoko, to signify their guardianship of the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award. The tokotoko is a link to the Hawke’s Bay origins of the award, and is created by Haumoana artist, Jacob Scott.

The National Library assumed responsibility for the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award from Te Mata Estate Winery in 2007.

Local poet Marty Smith, winner of the Jesse McKay award in the 2014 national book awards, says the evening always has a special kind of magic.

“Poetry travels though poets like electricity, and the sequence of readings from CK Stead and his guests is a chance to hear exciting poets shock us sideways into other ways of looking. Music and poetry are closely linked, and it’s our pleasure to support Project Prima Volta by showcasing these talented young singers who represent the future of the arts. This big shout out to the Poet Laureate will be a stunning evening of celebration and welcome.’

Tickets, $20, are available from Creative Hastings, Hastings Libraries, Napier Libraries and Beattie and Forbes or online at Eventfinder.

ENDS

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