IPAG, in conjunction with the Otago University Press and Dan Davin Literary Foundation, are thrilled to announce the Southland book launch of 'Poeta: Selected and New Poetry', by Cilla Mcqueen, at 5.30pm, Friday 14th September

Born in 1949, Bluff-based Cilla McQueen is one of New Zealand’s best-loved poets. 'Poeta: Selected and New Poems' brings together a definitive selection of her poetry spanning five decades, arranged by the poet in a thematic narrative that elucidates abiding themes while maintaining a loose chronology of her creative life to date.

Of mixed Scottish and English heritage, McQueen is a translocated Hebridean, a spokesperson variously for the southern islands and coast, Rakiura, Fiordland, Murihiku and Dunedin. One of a few indispensable poetic voices of the south, she has long been part of a social matrix of artists, among them Hone Tuwhare, Ralph Hotere and Marilynn Webb, dedicated to bringing out the native brogue and colours of Southland–Otago. 

'Poeta' gathers together poems from the poet’s 14 previous volumes, punctuated by 11 striking drawings, and also includes a range of new work that shows her riddling creativity continuing to grow and evolve. Collectively, the poems demonstrate a versatile and diligent wordsmith never content to sit on her laurels, ever experimenting and improving in her attempt to write the world’s poem.

Join us, along with Cilla and guest speaker Hamesh Wyatt, to celebrate this exciting occasion. Cilla will be signing copies of 'Poeta: Selected and New Poetry' for purchase on the night.