Two doctors fly north for winter
Two of New Zealand’s most exciting creative doctors will be giving the Far North a creative injection from 27 May.
Dr Glenn Colquhoun, poet and GP, and Dr Richard Nunns QSM, expert in ngā taonga pūoro –traditional Maori musical
instruments, are taking their art to schools and libraries throughout the Far North. They will begin their tour in
Kaikohe and travel as far north as Mangonui.
The New Zealand Book Council is very proud to be leading this tour in one of the least accessible regions of New
Zealand. Glenn and Richard will visit seven schools, and many other schools will be invited to these events. The
cultural riches that Glenn and Richard bring will influence and inspire the next generation of New Zealand artists.
Dr Glenn Colquhoun is a poet, GP and children’s book writer. His best-selling poetry collections Playing God and an explanation of poetry to my father are beautiful, simple and accessible, and his performances are unforgettable. Glenn has spent many years in Northland
as a GP in the Hokianga district, and in Kerikeri. He has a strong bond with the region, and is passionate about
bringing his poetry to the people who inspired it. Glenn says:
‘I'm looking forward to getting back to a place that, along with South Auckland, I consider home. Its coastlines and
people have had an enormous influence on my writing and on my medicine. Living at the other end of the North Island is
something I have always considered temporary; I am a Northland writer. Its landscapes are a wonderful meeting ground of
culture and history, ghosts and outlaws, big sky and generosity of spirit. It is where I best belong and where I best
breathe and regardless of all of that, Aunty Kare, don't even think of trying to baptise me.'
Dr Richard Nunns is recognised as the foremost expert in ngā taonga poro, all the more remarkable as he is a Pakehā who
has made this study his life work. He is both historian and performer, having won multiple awards and honours for his
work with these tradional Maori musical instruments. As an internationally in-demand performer, we are privileged to
have the opportunity to send him on tour with Glenn.
The community is invited to selected school visits, and three public events will be held at the Te Ahu Centre in Kaitaia
at 5.30pm on Wednesday 29 May, the Turner Centre in Kerikeri at 6pm on Thursday 30 May, and at the Whangarei Public
Library at 11am on Saturday 1 June.
ENDS