Paula Green & Harry Ricketts at the Going West Books & Writers Festival 2009.
Photo: Gil Hanly, Going West Trust Archives.

(fascinating photo! my little notebook, finger pointing, yep he’s the poet up tonight!)

I love this family festival. I love the sliding doors opening in the breaks and everyone tucking into food and conversation like one big poetry family. I love the eclectic programme and the way you can sit back in the same chair and get taken on a thousand voyages. Three cheers to the hard-working Going West team. I am honoured to be part of the festival, on your 20th celebration.

This year you hear:

Friday (tonight)

7.20 In Remembrance: Glenn Colquhoun

7.30 Curnow Reader: Harry Ricketts

8.20 Myths and Legends of the Ancient Pakeha: Glenn Colquhoun

Saturday night

8.30pm Poetry Slam (Harry, Glenn and I are judges)

Sunday morning

9.30 am  The Poetry of Place: Kerry Hines and Leilani Tamu in conversation with me