2008 ‘Writers on Mondays’ series run by Victoria University’s International Institute of Modern Letters.

An upcoming ‘Writers on Mondays’ series in Wellington will provide a rare chance to hear all New Zealand’s living poet laureates read at one event.

The laureate summit, to be held on 4 August, will include readings from current laureate Michele Leggott, (pic right), and former laureates Jenny Bornholdt, Elizabeth Smither, Brian Turner and Bill Manhire (pic left).

A further highlight is the only New Zealand appearance by award-winning United States novelist Richard Powers (The Echo Maker), famed for his ability to write engaging fiction underpinned by complex scientific ideas. He appears in conversation with broadcaster Kim Hill on 28 July, and will also teach a master class for students at Victoria University’s International Institute of Modern Letters (IIML).

From mid-July each year the IIML, home of Victoria University’s renowned creative writing programme, runs a series of events showcasing writers in Wellington, New Zealand and overseas.

“We are delighted to be able to bring the brilliant Richard Powers to Wellington for this series. As usual there are several stand-out poetry events, including seven of the poets whose work appears in Best New Zealand Poems 2007, the ‘laureate summit’ and a flying visit from veteran Australian poet Geoff Page,” says Chris Price, IIML lecturer.

“This is also the first opportunity in quite some years for local readers to catch up with two versatile expatriates – David Geary and Jennifer Compton – who are back in New Zealand on writing residencies,” she says.

“Two recent IIML graduates – Mary McCallum and Johanna Aitchison – are finalists in this year’s Montana New Zealand Book Awards with their first books, and both will make appearances in the series before the awards are announced on 21 July. In September, which is New Zealand Book Month, audiences can get a taste of writers they’re likely to be hearing from in years to come with four events that will showcase the emerging talent from the 2008 Masters programme.”

This year the series will be hosted by the National Library of New Zealand. Each event takes place from 1-2pm in the National Library Auditorium, corner Aitken and Molesworth Street, except for ‘Hand to Hand – Five Laureates’ (4 August), which starts at 5.30pm in the National Library Foyer. Admission is free, all welcome.

For the full programme, see attached media release or visit http://www.victoria.ac.nz/modernletters/activities/monday-writers.aspx#programme.

Presented in partnership with the National Library of New Zealand. For information on any of the events please contact Chris Price on chris.price@vuw.ac.nz or 0272113287.