Poemlines: coming home

Poemlines run from Hawke’s Bay across mountain, river and sea to the Poets Laureate and their tokotoko. In October, they will lead the poets back to the Bay, to Te Mata, to Matahiwi and the Blyth Auditorium.

A not-to-be missed highlight of the Festival, this unique event will celebrate the joy of poetry with eight of the eleven Poets Laureate: Bill Manhire, Rob Tuwhare for Hone Tuwhare, Elizabeth Smither, Michele Leggott, Cilla McQueen, Ian Wedde, C.K. Stead and Selina Tusitala Marsh.

Hawke’s Bay Readers & Writers Festival congratulates Elizabeth Smither on winning the poetry category of the 2018 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. He toi whakairo, ka ihiihi, ka wehiwehi, ka aweawe te ao katoa. Artistic excellence makes the world sit up in wonder.

Chair: Marty Smith