Dear book friends,

There's a certain magic that happens when poetry finds its way into unexpected places. On the last Sunday of September, our beloved Geraldine, nestled in the heart of South Canterbury, was treated to an extraordinary event that exemplified this magic - "Waiata in the Woolshed: In conversation with Glenn Colquhoun." As I sit here in our wee bookshop, surrounded by shelves brimming with works from talented New Zealand authors and more, I'm still basking in the warmth and inspiration of this unique gathering.

A Confluence of Cultures in a Working Woolshed

My Peel Forest's working woolshed transformed into a hub of cultural exchange and poetic expression, hosting an event that brought together literature lovers from across South Canterbury and beyond. Glenn Colquhoun, for those who might not know, is a celebrated New Zealand author, poet, children's writer, and GP who has a remarkable ability to weave together Māori and Pākehā cultures through his words. 

The idea of hearing his waiata (songs) and poetry in a woolshed feels quintessentially Kiwi, doesn't it? It's a beautiful marriage of our rural South Canterbury heritage and our rich literary tradition. The rustic setting of the woolshed added an authentic charm to the proceedings, grounding the ethereal nature of poetry in the solid, earthy reality of our agricultural roots.

An International Gathering with Local Heart

What made this event truly special was its ability to bridge not just cultures, but continents. Attendees came from as far as Germany, Switzerland, and Australia, joining our local South Canterbury community in creating a diverse audience united by their love for poetry and storytelling. This international flavour added depth to the evening, reminding us that while poetry can be deeply rooted in a specific place and culture, its appeal is universal.

An Interactive Journey Led by Anah Aikman

Anah Aikman, a respected figure in New Zealand's medical and cultural scene, led the conversation with Glenn Colquhoun. Anah's insightful questions and warm rapport with Glenn helped to create a deeply moving atmosphere, encouraging attendees to share songs meaningful to them. This collaborative spirit embodies what poetry and storytelling are all about - sharing experiences, emotions, and connections.

Local poet Jan Hill beautifully described the afternoon as "the beauty of weaving human connection." And isn't that what we're all seeking, dear friends? In our increasingly digital world, events like these remind us of the power of coming together, of sharing our stories, and of connecting with one another through the spoken and sung word.

The Power of Song and Story

The Sunday afternoon session explored the power of sung poetry through various heritage forms, including waiata, hymns, lullabies, and sea shanties. Glenn Colquhoun captivated the audience by singing to his wooden totems in Te Reo Māori and English, each representing important figures and memories in his life. This performance wasn't just about reciting words; it was about bringing stories to life, making the abstract tangible, and connecting with the audience on a deeply emotional level.

The Woolshed: A Perfect Venue for Poetry

You might wonder, "Why a woolshed?" Well, dear friends, I believe poetry belongs everywhere - not just in leather-bound books or academic halls. By bringing his words into this rustic, everyday space, Glenn reminded us that poetry is for everyone. It's about our lives, our land, our stories.

I'm reminded of the times I'd visit my nana across from Talbot Forest. She'd often recite poems while going about her daily chores. Those moments taught me that poetry isn't separate from life - it's an integral part of it. The woolshed, with its rich history and connection to the South Canterbury land, provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration of New Zealand poetry and culture.

A Personal Connection to New Zealand Authors

Glenn's work has always struck a chord with me, as have the works of many New Zealand authors we proudly stock in our bookstore. His collection "Playing God" sits on my bedside table, a constant source of inspiration. Here's a poem from the book:

The Impact of the Event on Our South Canterbury Community

As the owner of the Page and Post Booksellers, a proud New Zealand bookstore serving the South Canterbury region, I was overwhelmed by the response to this event. The woolshed was filled to the rafters, and all attendees felt 'one' - touched by the inclusiveness and warmth of the format. We received constant shop visits, emails, and messages from people who felt moved and grateful for the uniqueness of this event.

This success has inspired us to plan more literary events in similar formats, showcasing the wealth of talent among New Zealand authors. The Sunday afternoon timing seemed to work well for many, allowing for a relaxed and unhurried experience. We're already looking forward to hosting more gatherings that bring together poetry, music, and community in unexpected venues around South Canterbury.

Why Events Like These Matter for New Zealand Literature

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget the power of coming together to share stories, songs, and experiences. Events like "Waiata in the Woolshed" remind us of the importance of human connection, of celebrating our diverse heritage, and of keeping our literary traditions alive.

For our New Zealand bookstore, hosting and promoting such events is about more than just selling books. It's about nurturing a community of readers, thinkers, and storytellers. It's about creating spaces where people can come together to explore ideas, share emotions, and forge connections. It's about celebrating the rich tapestry of New Zealand literature and introducing more people to the incredible works of our local authors.

We also collaborated with Stephanie Postles, whose artwork added such depth and beauty to our event with Glenn Colquhoun. 

A Living Memory to Take Home

In keeping with the spirit of connection to the land and our shared heritage, we partnered with Arowhenua Native Nursery to offer a unique and lasting memento of the afternoon. Every guest was invited to take home a native tree seedling as a living totem and reminder of our time together at Waiata in the Woolshed.

This gesture not only echoed Glenn's use of wooden totems in his performance but also symbolised the growth of our community and the deep roots of our shared culture. As these trees grow in gardens across South Canterbury and beyond, they'll stand as living connections to this special evening, much like the stories and poems we shared.

The choice to work with Arowhenua Native Nursery was deliberate, reflecting our commitment to supporting local businesses and promoting native flora. These seedlings represent the continuity between our past and future, much like the blend of traditional and contemporary elements in Glenn's poetry and Stephanie's artwork.

Imagine, dear friends, the forest of memories we're collectively growing – each tree a testament to the power of words, art, and community to bring us together and help us put down roots.

Looking Ahead: Future Events with New Zealand Authors

The success of "Waiata in the Woolshed" has energised us to continue exploring innovative ways to bring literature to life in our South Canterbury community. We're planning a series of events that will take poetry and storytelling out of traditional venues and into the heart of our region - its farms, its forests, its community spaces.

We believe that by making poetry and literature accessible and engaging, we can help more people discover the power of New Zealand authors to inspire, comfort, and connect. Whether you're a lifelong poetry enthusiast or someone who's never quite connected with verse before, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery through the rich landscape of New Zealand literature.

A Call to Our South Canterbury Community

To all our dear book friends in South Canterbury and beyond, we extend an invitation: Let's keep this spirit of connection and creativity alive. Have you been inspired to write your own poetry after attending "Waiata in the Woolshed"? Do you have ideas for future literary events featuring New Zealand authors in unexpected places? We'd love to hear from you!

Drop by our Geraldine bookstore, send us an email, or leave a comment below. 

Until our next gathering, happy reading, and may you find poetry in the everyday moments of your South Canterbury life.

Best wishes,

Belinda

P.S. What's your favourite poem about New Zealand or by a Kiwi poet? Do share in the comments - I'm always looking to expand our collection of New Zealand authors in the bookstore!