Departures

Report from Isabel Kerr, Board Member

On November 18, 2024, the France New Zealand Association hosted a memorable evening at Reid Hall in Paris, featuring New Zealand poet Dunstan Ward, who read poems from his latest collection Departures (Cold Hub Press). The poems take readers on a journey from the departure of Ward's ancestors from England to their arrival in New Zealand in 1842, to his own personal departure from New Zealand to London and later Paris in the 1970s, where he continues to reside. Along the way, the poems explore themes such as grief, love, and identity.

The evening also featured the premiere of two of Dunstan’s poems, The Garden at Night and Swallows, set to music by Nigel Keay. The musical compositions were beautifully performed by contralto Kayla Collingwood, accompanied by pianist Isabelle Dutel. 

After the readings and performances, guests enjoyed wine and conversation, with the opportunity to meet Dunstan and have their copies of Departures signed. A wonderful evening was had by all!