New Zealand Poet Laureate Advisory Group

Background to New Zealand Poet Laureate Advisory Group

In June 2007, the National Library of New Zealand took over the administration and funding of the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award from Te Mata Estate Winery.

For a clear, fair, and robust selection process to take place, the Poet Laureate Advisory Group was formed to provide advice on the appointment of the Laureate to the National Library.

Te Pouhuaki | National Librarian is responsible for the Laureate appointment.

Scope and responsibilities

The New Zealand Poet Laureate Advisory Group will

• consider nominations provided by the nomination process,

• recommend a candidate to Te Pouhuaki | National Librarian.

The New Zealand Poet Laureate Advisory Group is responsible for considering and formulating recommendations with the final decision ultimately with Te Pouhuaki | National Librarian.

Membership of the Poet Laureate Advisory Group

Members of the Poet Laureate Advisory group are selected and appointed by Te Pouhuaki | National Librarian. The Advisory Group will comprise up to six members.

Criteria for appointment include a proven knowledge and understanding of New Zealand poetry, and a willingness to advocate on its behalf.

Te Pouhuaki | National Librarian will seek one or more new members for the Group each time a new Laureate is to be appointed. The expectation is that Group members will serve for two terms.

Te Pouhuaki | National Librarian may also call upon the assistance of a representative of Te Mata Estate Winery, in recognition of their founding the original Laureate Award, and their ongoing support for the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award.

Members of the Poet Laureate Advisory Group at 2024 are:

• Chris Price, Senior Lecture, International Institute of Modern Letters

• Vanessa Mei Crofskey, artist, writer and editor

• Toby Buck of Te Mata Estate Winery

• Geraldine Warren, Curator New Zealand and Pacific Published Collections

• Peter Ireland from the National Library’s Public Engagement Directorate.

Administration support

The National Library of New Zealand will provide administrative support for the nomination, recommendation, and appointment process.

Review of the terms of reference

Every three years the National Library of New Zealand will review the terms of reference for the Poet Laureate Advisory Group.

Reviewed December 2023