Farewell to Brian Turner 1944-2025

Esteemed poet, writer, essayist and conservationist Brian Turner died on Thursday 5th February at the age of 80.

He was Aotearoa’s Poet Laureate from 2003-2005, the inaugural New Zealand Poet Laureate of Nature 2024, and the recipient of numerous awards including an honorary doctorate of literature from the University of Otago, the ONZM for his services to literature and the environment, the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement in Poetry, the Commonwealth Poetry Prize and several national book awards for poetry.

In a RNZ article, Brian’s younger brother Glenn Turner said, ‘Brian had bridged the gap between the arts and sport, at a time when doing so was uncommon.

He played hockey for New Zealand in the 1960s and senior cricket, while his love for the environment had flourished since his move to the small town of Oturehua more than two decades ago.

"Although the hills, to a lot of people, look quite bare, he made the point that only the blind couldn't see that there was a lot more to it than that,’ said Turner.

The Spinoff quotes Brian Turner's poem 'The Stopover':

‘The Stopover

When the trout rise like compassion It is worth watching

when the hinds come down from the hills with a new message

it will be as well to listen.

– Brian Turner

Brian’s considerable work will continue to be remembered and loved.