Brian Turner
Photo credit Declan Wong
Brian Turner was born in Dunedin, NZ in 1944 and lives in Central Otago. He is a poet and a freelance journalist, editor and writer. His first book of poems Ladders of Rain (1978) won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize. This was followed by a number of highly-acclaimed poetry collections and award-winning writing in a wide range of genres including journalism, biography, memoir (Somebodies and Nobodies 2002) and sports writing.
In 1984 he was Robert Burns Fellow at the University of Otago and in 1997 he was writer in residence at the University of Canterbury. His most recent collection of poetry is Night Fishing (2016). Just This (2009) won the Poetry Award at the 2010 New Zealand Post Book Awards. Taking Off was published by Victoria University Press in 2001 and made the final three in the Poetry category of the 2002 Montana NZ Book Awards.
He was also awarded the 2009 Lauris Edmond Award for Distinguished Contribution to Poetry. Also in 2009, he received the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement in Poetry, worth $60,000, in recognition of significant contribution to New Zealand literature.
‘Beneath the wit, the no-nonsense honesty, the rigorous clarity of sense and the sinewy rhythmic energy of the poems’ surfaces runs the craft of a sophisticated, confident and well-read poet.’
—Oxford Companion
One of his poems ‘Semi-Kiwi’ was selected for the online collection Best New Zealand Poems 2001. His poem, ‘Some reasons why I got this job’ was chosen as one of the Best New Zealand Poems 2003. ‘Chances of Revelation’ was chosen for Best New Zealand Poems 2004. Best New Zealand Poems 2005 included Brian's ‘Cycling in the Maniototo’.
Brian Turner was named as the Te Mata New Zealand Poet Laureate 2003.