There is No Harbour

Dinah Hawken's new long poem interweaves her family history in the early years of Pakeha settlement in Taranaki; a short history of the Taranaki Wars; and her thoughts and feelings as she researched and wrote the poem . . .

'The completion of the poem has not led me to any sense of resolution. It has led to something less measurable, perhaps more valuable -- greater clarity, particularly of the depth of injustice Maori have endured in Taranaki. At the same time it has strengthened my attachment and my gratitude to my great and great-great grandparents, whom I know as essentially good people. And it has led me back to Parihaka: to profound respect for Te Whiti and Tohu, the art of leadership, the art of passive resistance, and their refusal of human war.' -- Dinah Hawken

Dinah Hawken is one of New Zealand's most celebrated poets. She was born in Hawera in 1943 and trained as a physiotherapist, psychotherapist and social worker in New Zealand and the United States and has worked as a student counsellor and writing teacher at Victoria University of Wellington. Her previous poetry collection is Ocean and Stone (VUP, 2015).

Featured in the 26 February 2019 New Zealand newsletter.
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Featured in the February 2019 Great Reads newsletter.
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