Last week the English department were lucky enough to have one of New Zealand’s best-known poets, Glenn Colquhoun, spend the morning with us. Glenn is a doctor, as well as a poet, specialising in working with young people.

Some of our Year 9 students were treated to a session where they got to listen to poems selected by them, upon choosing a totem doll. Each of these dolls, created by Glenn, had their own story – many steeped in NZ history. The presentation of these poems, some incorporating song and haka, was spellbinding.

We were also reminded, ‘Don’t ever be bored - there are 10,000 sparkling things always happening. Constantly notice detail.’ Not just great advice for writers but a wonderful way to look at life in general!

Later in the morning, Glenn ran a workshop with some of our older keen and talented writers, where they shared and critiqued some of their own spoken word poetry. He offered some very valuable advice on the writing process and the on-going evolution of imagination.

Thanks so much to both Glenn and ‘Read NZ’ who made this visit possible.