Esteemed writer to visit Raglan Library

On Tuesday 20 September the Raglan Library will host Dr Jeffrey Paparoa Holman, the University of Waikato’s writer in residence.

“Dr Holman is an esteemed writer and we are thrilled he wants to visit our Raglan Library to share his poetry and writing advice,” said Waikato District Council stakeholder relations general manager Jo Ireland.

“During his visit, Dr Holman will discuss the writing process and share his experiences of the Christchurch earthquake, and the story of his father’s encounter with a Kamikaze pilot, which is the basis of a memoir he is writing,” she said.

Dr Holman is a poet and historian whose interesting background includes experiences as a shearer, postman and psychiatric social worker. He grew up on the South Island’s West Coast and feels a strong connection with that part of New Zealand, which is why he took the name Paparoa.

Holman has had several works of poetry published by Penguin, including The Best of Both Worlds : the Story of Elsdon Best and Tutakangahau, which was short-listed for the Maori Book Awards.

Holman describes his poetry as “not high brow. They tell stories many people can relate to. They reflect different aspects of who we are and how we live.”

The Raglan Library invites locals to come and hear Dr Holman’s history, creativity, and writing advice at 10.30am on Tuesday 20 September.