When queer Asian-Kiwi writer Chris Tse started reading and writing poetry at the age of 16, he felt he’d finally found something he could pursue.

“Poetry has always been this constant. It’s the thing I reach for, for comfort and connection, it’s helped me make wonderful friendships and relationships with people. It’s been a significant part of my life,” he said in an interview this week.

Tse, 39, was announced on Friday as the country’s new poet laureate, a role appointed by the National Library. During the two-year tenure, the laureate receives a stipend of $100,000 and advocates for Aotearoa’s poet community, promotes poetry and produces published works.

Tse said he was surprised to get a phone call from National Librarian Rachel Esson last week offering him the role after his name was put forward by members of the public.

Listen to Chris on RNZ and read here on STUFF