Today we had a poets’ lunch at Auckland Art Gallery Cafe to farewell Christine O’Brien. It was wonderful to all come together as the AUP poetry family and pay tribute to someone who is a storehouse of knowledge and experience. The weather outside was a mix (typical Auckland!) of sun and showers and I guess that was how we all felt. Christine has been a dedicated supporter of NZ poetry, has been at so many of our launches, and distributed vital poetry news for a number of years in her poetry newsletter. We will most definitely miss her, but we wish all the best in her next choices. Selina got us all singing a waiata which was just wonderful. Arohanui, Christine. xxx

I have posted this so out-of down poets and poetry fans can add a comment for Christine.