Today it’s a big thank you from me to all the writers, readers and fans of poetry in Aotearoa who support Poetry Shelf, especially local poetry but indeed writing of all genres.

Three special links for you for the weekend:

One: Michele Leggott celebrated Ben Brown’s poem: ‘I am the Māori Jesus’

Two: 12 poets contributed travel poems to a Poetry Shelf celebration Of Broken River Train | Dreams of Travel, a photographic exhibition at the National Library. My feature includes 12 poems and 7 photographs along with words from curator Peter Ireland and myself.

Three: I broke my Poetry Shelf rules for the first time ever and invited you to submit poems with some kind of music connections for my Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa |NZ Music Month 2026 celebration.
Quick Deadline: Monday May 25th Details here