Congratulations poets – this is a strong showing.

Here is my conversation with NZ Poet Laureate, Selina Tusitala Marsh.

My conversation with Airini Beautrais.

My conversation with Hannah Mettner.

My conversation with Elizabeth Smither.

My conversation with Sue Wootton.

Two poems and my response to Kate Camp’s collection

Two poems and my response to Briar Wood’s collection.

I haven’t yet read the other  collections – but I loved these enough to have showcased them on the blog. I would sing the praises of them anywhere.

The Poetry Award will be judged by poet, novelist and creative non-fiction writer Alison Wong; poet and deputy chief executive, Māori, at Manukau Institute of Technology Robert Sullivan; and Otago poet, publisher, editor and librettist Michael Harlow.

My commiserations to those who missed the list. This year has produced an extraordinary array of poetry books from main and boutique presses. And yes, very good books are missing (it’s like trying to squeeze your books in your holiday bag and the bag just won’t shut) so I am going to flag just a few.

The glorious books of Bill Manhire (there are two!), Michele Leggott and Nina Powles.  I would add Louise Wallace, Maria McMillan, James Brown, Caron Smeaton, Reuben Todd. .

Congratulations to those on the longlist.  A toast to you, to your publishers and booksellers and to those who spread its joy far and wide.

Rest of award results and details of poetry books here