In 2007 the government established the New Zealand Poet Laureate Award to raise the profile of poetry in New Zealand. 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.
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 National Librarian | Te Pouhuaki.
You only need to nominate someone once for them to be considered.
Nominations close on 30 July 2025 and the next New Zealand Poet Laureate will be announced on Friday 22 August 2025.
