Each New Zealand poet laureate has received a specially carved tokotoko - a speaking stick.
The latest laureate, Aucklander Michele Leggott, laughs and says she is the most appropriate recipient so far of such a gift.
"Given I am about to pick up a white stick because I
don't see very well ... I did joke with them last night and say that if ever a poet needed a stick, it was me."
Ms Leggott has been slowly losing her sight since 1995, but has not allowed that to be a barrier to her literary career. An associate professor in the University of Auckland's English Department, Ms Leggott has published five books of poetry and edited five anthologies of poetry and criticism.
She is also a co-founder and director of the New Zealand Electronic Poetry Centre, a digital resource for poets, schools, universities and the public.
Te Mata vineyard formerly ran its own poet laureate scheme, but it is now administered by the National Library, with Te Mata retaining a supporting role. The recipient holds the post for two years, and receives $50,000 a year, plus wine and the tokotoko - which is usually customised to reflect its owner.
Ms Leggott said the award was totally overwhelming, and she hoped its recently elevated status would help raise the profile of poetry.
"I'm honoured to be given it for my achievements and all the rest of it, but I see it as a fantastic PR move for poetry as a whole."
Ms Leggott and the National Library will work together to determine her workload.
"There are a lot of ideas floating around," she said.
