Geoff Wilson Gallery curator has poetic success

NorthTec’s Geoff Wilson Gallery curator, Vaughan Gunson, is thrilled to have his first book published. His book of poetry, this hill, all it’s about is lifting it to a higher level, has just been published by Steele Roberts.

This is not the first time Vaughan has been recognised by the poetry world. His poems are becoming part of New Zealand’s cultural tapestry, having been published in a number of national publications, including New Zealand Listener, Takahe, Sidestream, Blackmail Press, and Poetry New Zealand. In addition one of his poems, ‘fastfood workers’, was used in the 2010 Level 2 NCEA English exam for New Zealand High School students.

This is his first “properly published book”, which contains about five or six years of his work. A lot of the writing is to do with being a parent, others are more political. Many of the poems are “reflections on life, personal experiences that hopefully connect with readers”, says Vaughan. “Most of the poems are pretty accessible. It’s not my intention to be too complicated or academic, which a lot of New Zealand poetry can be,” he said.

His new collection, this hill, all it’s about is lifting it to a higher level, has been endorsed by respected New Zealand poets. Alistair Paterson, Poetry New Zealand editor and New Zealand Order of Merit recipient, stated “This is a book I’ve been keenly awaiting…I’ve come to admire and respect what he [Vaughan] writes. His poems merge his concerns for the human and natural worlds into a unity that reflects the human condition.”

National Poetry Day organiser, Siobhan Harvey, refers to the book as “a startling collection of poetry” that “mines new and familiar territory in surprising and exciting ways.”

On Wednesday 26 September Vaughan will be speaking at Smart Talks at the Old Library,  and will also be present to sign copies of his new book which are available for sale. The book will also be available in specialist book shops throughout New Zealand. Or you could pop up to the Gallery and have a chat and get your copy directly from the author.

NorthTec congratulates Vaughan on his success.

Read an excerpt from his book, or buy a copy online