Booksellers New Zealand pays tribute to Hone Tuwhare
Booksellers New Zealand today paid tribute to poet Hone Tuwhare and the huge contribution he made to the New Zealand
literary industry. Chairwoman Robyn Bargh said Booksellers New Zealand was saddened by the loss of the literary giant.
“Hone’s death is really sad but we should also celebrate his long and celebrated career,” she said. “For over 40 years
Hone Tuwhare has been a significant voice in New Zealand literature. His poems were so rich - lyrical,
thought-provoking, honest, humorous and erotic, and using both English and Maori languages. Hearing him read his own
poetry was an unforgettable experience. ”
Tuwhare was an award winning poet, attaining New Zealand’s most prestigious literary prize for poetry twice. In 1998 he
was awarded a Montana New Zealand Book Award for poetry for Shapeshifter (Steele Roberts) and in 2002 for Piggy Back
Moon (Godwit/Random House).
Booksellers New Zealand is the association for book retailers and publishers throughout New Zealand and administers the
Montana New Zealand Book Awards.
ENDS