Queen’s Birthday Honours

Warm congratulations to three poets receiving honours today: Tusiata Avia, Cilla McQueen and Brian Turner. A reflection of the extraordinary work they have gifted Aotearoa.

You can hear Karyn Hay in conversation with Cilla McQueen today at 9.15 on RNZ National.

Tusiata Avia reads ‘Massacre’

I review Cilla McQueen’s sumptuous Poeta: selected and new poems Otago University Press 2018

Two bird poems from Brian Turner

Two other writers have been honoured, with both Elizabeth Knox and Tessa Duder becoming Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Two women whose work has also gifted much on so many levels.

Congratulations to Naomi McCleary who has done much to make Going West Literary Festival such a success.

A toast to you all!

Full honours list here