Hailing from Wellington, New Zealand, Mr Manhire is a poet of international renown and University Professor. He was the country’s first Poet Laureate and has been recipient of the New Zealand Book Award several times. He has also been awarded the Accolade of the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement.
During his time at the school, Mr Manhire read a thought-provoking Maori poem about rain during assembly. S3 pupils were also privileged to enjoy more intimate reading in the school library which covered many themes; childhood, the horrors of war, finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. He also shared with the group his personal observations of the world, as well as his broad experiences, including a trip to Antarctica.
The inspirational message Mr Manhire left pupils with was to enjoy language, to play with words, and to hear the music in literature, as well as to search for deeper meaning in things. The visit was warmly received by pupils and staff alike, and made for a memorable occasion.