Congratulations to poet Jenny Bornholdt who has today been appointed Te Mata Estate's fifth Poet Laureate.

The Loved One
Ah          you
the loved one
coming down out of the sky
like rain          your arms wide
branches          your narrowness
a song for the strong ones ....
Congratulations to poet Jenny Bornholdt who has today been appointed Te Mata Estate's fifth Poet Laureate.

The Loved One
Ah          you
the loved one
coming down out of the sky
like rain          your arms wide
branches          your narrowness
a song for the strong ones ....
a line coming across
the room to greet me.
Your hands find me out
in the world          my arms
I will take you in till
the morning and a sky
sharp with the sounds
of birds. For all of this
we take to the water
chance on an island small
as a raisin          love,
this is surprise
this is our very own
continent.

from Moving House Victoria University Press 1989
taken from New Zealand Electronic Text Centre

Jenny Bornholdt

"Jenny is a well known poet and anthologist and a true master of her craft. This is a position of honour and a fantastic achievement," said Judith Tizard Associate Minister of the Arts.

Poets Laureate are appointed for a two-year tenure and receive a grant of money and wine from the Estate, as well as an individual tokotoko (a
ceremonial carved walking stick), which symbolises their achievement and status. The poets have no obligations except to produce a book of poems in
their two-year tenure.

Te Mata Estate has also joined with Victoria University's International Institute of Modern Letters to enhance the public profile of New Zealand poetry through a range of laureate visits to secondary schools and public engagements.

"The role of laureate really boosts the profile of poetry in New Zealand. I am pleased that Te Mata Estate supports this appointment, and think it is highly appropriate given that the English Poet Laureate was traditionally paid with wine," said Judith Tizard.

"Poetry is the most demanding and often the poorest paid of the literary arts. Te Mata's awards have shown the breadth and depth of poetry in New Zealand and the art form is being encouraged and well supported by New Zealanders.

"Brian Turner, the current Poet Laureate, has set a high standard to follow I look forward to reading his collection of poetry Footfall, which was
published last week. Indeed, the previous Poet Laureates have produced some stunning works of literature and I also look forward to reading the
volume that Jenny Bornholdt will produce.

"Congratulations to Jenny Bornholdt and I wish her all the best for her tenure," said Judith Tizard.

'The Gate to Another Garden': Text and Image in Jenny Bornholdt's These Days - Masami Nakao