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University of Auckland Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh Appointed as First Commonwealth Poet Laureate

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

New Zealand-based poet and academic Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh, known for her work in Pacific poetry and creative writing, has been announced as the first Commonwealth Poet Laureate. Appointed to the role for a two-year term until 31 May 2027, Marsh will craft original poems for flagship Commonwealth events and advise on the Commonwealth Foundation's creative programming. A Samoan, Tuvaluan, English, French, and Scottish heritage poet, Marsh says she is "deeply honoured" to accept the role, citing the significance of poetry in bridging cultures and histories.

Key Takeaways:

  • The appointment of Professor Selina Tusitala Marsh as the first Commonwealth Poet Laureate marks a significant milestone in the 75-year history of the Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Marsh, a professor of English at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, will craft original poems for flagship Commonwealth events, including the Commonwealth Day, the Commonwealth People's Forum, and Heads of Government Meetings.
  • The appointment runs until 31 May 2027 and involves Marsh advising on the Commonwealth Foundation's creative programming and appearing in person at the Commonwealth People's Forum and Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua & Barbuda in 2026.
  • Marsh's heritage as a Samoan, Tuvaluan, English, French, and Scottish person reflects her commitment to honoring diverse cultures and histories through her poetry.
  • Her vision for the role is guided by the Samoan proverb "He toi whakairo, he mana tangata," which translates to "Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity."
  • Marsh was the first Pacific person to earn a PhD in English from the University of Auckland and lectures in Pacific poetry and creative writing in the University's department of English and Drama.
  • Her previous appointments, including being New Zealand's Poet Laureate from 2017-2019, demonstrate her significant contributions to the literary community.

Statistics:

  • The appointment is a two-year term, running until 31 May 2027.
  • Marsh's poetry will feature in flagship Commonwealth events, including the Commonwealth Day.
  • The Commonwealth Foundation's creative programming will be advised by Marsh during her tenure.
  • There are 2.7 billion citizens in the Commonwealth.
  • Marsh's three poetry collections, Fast Talking PI, Dark Sparring, and Tightrope, have been published by Auckland University Press.
  • Her graphic memoir series, Mophead, has won multiple awards.
  • Marsh was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit and a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2019.

Sources:

  • University of Auckland (UoA)
  • Notable New Zealand poet and academic Selina Tusitala Marsh ONZM, FRSNZ
  • The Commonwealth Foundation
  • Auckland University Press
  • New Zealand Order of Merit
  • Royal Society of New Zealand

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