Yesterday the Herald phoned to see if I would write a welcome poem for the new baby. The wind was moving through the manuka, it was grey and drizzling, my writing wrist was in a cast, and my gladness glass was being tested. But somehow it seemed the very best thing to do. I am full of admiration for our Prime Minister and the way she is changing the role of leadership. To use the word kindness in any talk of governance is a very good thing. To show that mothers can hold significant positions of power is also a very good thing. To show that fathers can care for the child is also a very good thing.

My warmest congratulations to Jacinda and Clark.

You can read the full poem at the Herald here.