Two doctors fly north for winter

Two doctors fly north for winter

Two of New Zealand’s most exciting creative doctors will be giving the Far North a creative injection from 27 May.

Dr Glenn Colquhoun, poet and GP, and Dr Richard Nunns QSM, expert in ngā taonga pūoro –traditional Maori musical instruments, are taking their art to schools and libraries throughout the Far North. They will begin their tour in Kaikohe and travel as far north as Mangonui.

The New Zealand Book Council is very proud to be leading this tour in one of the least accessible regions of New Zealand. Glenn and Richard will visit seven schools, and many other schools will be invited to these events. The cultural riches that Glenn and Richard bring will influence and inspire the next generation of New Zealand artists.

Dr Glenn Colquhoun is a poet, GP and children’s book writer. His best-selling poetry collections Playing God and an explanation of poetry to my father are beautiful, simple and accessible, and his performances are unforgettable. Glenn has spent many years in Northland as a GP in the Hokianga district, and in Kerikeri. He has a strong bond with the region, and is passionate about bringing his poetry to the people who inspired it. Glenn says:

‘I'm looking forward to getting back to a place that, along with South Auckland, I consider home. Its coastlines and people have had an enormous influence on my writing and on my medicine. Living at the other end of the North Island is something I have always considered temporary; I am a Northland writer. Its landscapes are a wonderful meeting ground of culture and history, ghosts and outlaws, big sky and generosity of spirit. It is where I best belong and where I best breathe and regardless of all of that, Aunty Kare, don't even think of trying to baptise me.'

Dr Richard Nunns is recognised as the foremost expert in ngā taonga poro, all the more remarkable as he is a Pakehā who has made this study his life work. He is both historian and performer, having won multiple awards and honours for his work with these tradional Maori musical instruments. As an internationally in-demand performer, we are privileged to have the opportunity to send him on tour with Glenn.

The community is invited to selected school visits, and three public events will be held at the Te Ahu Centre in Kaitaia at 5.30pm on Wednesday 29 May, the Turner Centre in Kerikeri at 6pm on Thursday 30 May, and at the Whangarei Public Library at 11am on Saturday 1 June.

ENDS

© Scoop Media