Te Mata Estate New Zealand Poet Laureate
Te Mata Estate supports a major award for poetry, known as the Te Mata Estate New Zealand Poet Laureate. The award is made every two years in recognition of a notable contribution to New Zealand poetry.
Each winner is presented with a Tokotoko symbolising their achievement and status, and receives a grant of $5,000. Te Mata also supports the publication of a volume of the award winner’s work, the book to be produced and distributed by Godwit Publishing. This is intended to present high quality poetry to a wide public in a suitably prestigious form.
Te Mata Estate's Links to Poetry
Te Mata Estate’s association with the poet laureate reflects the company’s belief that wine is an active part of a nation’s culture, and that New Zealand poetry’s particular qualities are worthy of long term support. There is a natural symbiosis between wine and poetry, but there is also a particular association with wine and the British laureateship which has attracted Te Mata’s attention.
Originally the royal appointment of Poet Laureate carried a grant of wine as part of its stipend. For Te Mata there is also the coincidence of the death of Alfred Lord Tennyson, the longest serving Poet Laureate, in 1892, the year grapes were first planted at Te Mata. Tennyson’s successor was subsequently appointed in 1896, the year Te Mata first began operating as a commercial winery.
In keeping with the history of the British award, each New Zealand Poet Laureate will be given a selection of Te Mata wine.
Poet Laureate 2005/2006
The fifth Te Mata Estate New Zealand Poet Laureate is Jenny Bornholdt of Wellington.
Past Poet Laureates
1997/1998 Bill Manhire; 1999/2000 Hone Tuwhare; 2001/2002 Elizabeth Smither; 2003/2004 Brian Turner; 2005/2006 Jenny Bornholdt.
