New Zealand Writers

LEIBRICH, Julie

Insightful, innovative and always humane.

LEIBRICH, Julie (1947-) is a poet and children’s book writer. She is also a highly respected psychologist.

Born in Manchester, Leibrich earned an M.A. Hons in English Language and Literature at Edinburgh University.

In 1972 Leibrich moved first to Bermuda, then on to the far north of Canada. She settled in New Zealand in 1974.

In 1976 Leibrich completed a B.A. Hons in Psychology, and in 1982 a Ph.D. at Victoria University of Wellington. In 1993 returned to Victoria University to study Creative Writing. She was awarded the Creative New Zealand's Todd Writer's Bursary in 1995.

Julie Leibrich’s first book of poems was The Paper Road (1998, reissued 2001). In the Otago Daily Times Hamesh Wyatt writes 'Leibrich’s gnarly weave of ideas, allusions and emotions confirm her status as a poet.' Marie Hamilton writes in the Sunday Star Times 'she flings the door open and ushers you in warm and humaneher poetry is enjoyable – light, quirky or thoughtful and compassionate.'" Her second collection of poems is Land Below the Waves. (Steele Roberts, 2004)

Leibrich’s poetry has been widely published and anthologised. Her poems have appeared in Poetry New Zealand, Landfall, Sport, Metro, Printout, Quote UnQuote, New Zealand Books, Spin, Envoi, The North, Dalhousie Review, LiNQ and Kalimat.

Her work has appeared in over 30 anthologies including The Earth’s Deep Breathing (2007), Shards of Silver (2006), The First Wellington International Poetry Festival Anthology (2003), Tiger Words (2002), Jewels in the Water: Contemporary New Zealand Poetry for Young Readers (2000), Doors: A Collection of New Zealand Poetry (2000), Mutes and Earthquakes (1997), Below the Surface (1995) and Kapiti Poems 7 (1993). 

Her poetry has been recorded for the New Zealand Sound Archive.  In 2006, her poetry was released on the CD Cupid and Psyche, with music by Eric Biddington.

Leibrich’s first children’s book Once in BlueMoon (1995), illustrated by Jacquelyn E Lane, was described by Kevin Ball in the Wairarapa Time-Age as 'A mystical and beautiful story - a standout book for children.'

Her children’s book The Ossossossorus (1999) has been praised in Reading Time: 'What a name to conjour with! What a text to roll round the mouth and savour – rhythm, onomatopoeia, alliteration, fantasy and logic.'

Her third children’s book The Biggest Number In The Universe, illustrated by Ross Kinnaird, (Scholastic 2004),  won the first Joy Cowley Award, and was followed by a sequel  Nesta And The Missing Zero (Scholastic 2006).
 
In addition to her writing, Leibrich has worked as a Research Psychologist at Wellington Hospital, and as a Social Scientist in the Departments of Justice and Health. From 1996-2000 she was the New Zealand Mental Health Commissioner.  She has given many lectures, in New Zealand and overseas on mental health and on spiritual growth.

She has published widely in the areas of mental health and justice. Her books in these areas include the award winning Straight To The Points: Angles on Giving Up Crime (1993) described by Peter Wilson, in the USA Criminal Law Review, as "one of the most insightful, informative and compassionate books on crime" and A Gift of Stories: Discovering How To Deal With Mental Illness (1999) described by Kay Sheldon in the UK's Open Mind as "a tour de force in the battle against prejudice and discrimination."

Leibrich lives in Raumati.

LK (updates SH)