A group of men and woman standing if front of a carving celebrating the Māori creation story. Some of them are holding tokotoko.

About the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award

Read about the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award including an overview of what the award is, a list of previous Laureates and governance of the award. The current New Zealand Poet Laureate is Chris Tse.

On this page

Background to the Poet Laureate award

In 2007 the government established the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award to raise the profile of poetry in New Zealand. The award succeeded the Te Mata Estate Winery Poet Laureate Award, which began in 1996.

Overview of New Zealand Poet Laureate Award

For a three-year period, the Laureate is supported by the National Library to create new work and promote poetry throughout the country.

The Laureate is an accomplished and highly regarded poet who can speak on behalf of New Zealand poetry, and to its readers.

Current New Zealand Poet Laureate

The New Zealand Poet Laureate for 2022–2025 is Chris Tse.

Poet Laureate blog

The Poet Laureate blog showcases the work of the Poet Laureate and promotes poetry. The blog is a great source of New Zealand poetry from past and present Laureates.

New Zealand Poet Laureate blog

The Laureates

Thirteen poets have been selected since the inception of the award in 1996:

Te Mata Estate Winery Poets Laureate:

  • Bill Manhire

  • Hone Tuwhare

  • Elizabeth Smither

  • Brian Turner

  • Jenny Bornholdt

New Zealand Poets Laureate:

  • Michele Leggott

  • Cilla McQueen

  • Ian Wedde

  • Vincent O’Sullivan

  • CK Stead

  • Selina Tusitala Marsh

  • David Eggleton

  • Chris Tse

Governance of the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award

The National Library of New Zealand administers the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award as set out on the Terms of reference — New Zealand Poet Laureate Award.

The New Zealand Poet Laureate Advisory Group advises Te Pouhuaki | National Librarian on the appointment of the Laureate.

Terms of reference — New Zealand Poet Laureate Award
New Zealand Poet Laureate Advisory Group

Nominations

The National Library considers public nominations and those from a variety of sources, including New Zealand libraries, universities and creative-writing programmes.

Nominations are considered by the New Zealand Poet Laureate Advisory Group, and the Laureate is appointed by Te Pouhuaki | National Librarian.

Nominations are presently closed.

Related content

Cover of hand-printed book on a stand.

Terms of reference — New Zealand Poet Laureate Award

Read the terms of reference for the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award, including criteria and accountability, eligibility and a draft agreement.
Detail of a hand-printed book cover.

New Zealand Poet Laureate Advisory Group

Find out about the New Zealand Poet Laureate Advisory Group the background to when it was created and its terms of reference.

Feature image at top of page: Poet Laureates at the celebration of 25 years of the award. Back row left to right, Brian Turner, Bill Manhire, Jenny Bornholdt, Selina Tusitala Marsh, David Eggleton. Front row left to right, Cilla McQueen, Ian Wedde, Elizabeth Smither, Vincent O'Sullivan. Photo by Mark Beatty.