Selina Tusitala Marsh announced as first Commonwealth Poet Laureate

Photo: Mark Chilvers, Commonwealth Foundation Award-winning poet and writer Selina Tusitala Marsh ONZM, FRSNZ is the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate. Marsh is a professor of English at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland and has published three acclaimed poetry collections, as well as a best-selling graphic memoir series for children.

She will hold the post until the 31st May 2027. As Poet Laureate, Marsh will work on behalf of the entire Commonwealth family, connecting its 2.7 billion citizens through poetry. She will craft original poems for flagship Commonwealth events including Commonwealth Day, the Commonwealth People’s Forum, and Ministerial and Heads of Government Meetings. Marsh, who is of Sāmoan, Tuvaluan, English, Scottish and French heritage, says she is “deeply honoured” to accept the role.

“In Samoan, we say, O le tele o sulu e maua ai figota. ‘The more torches we have, the more fish we can catch.’ Poetry is our torch, illuminating paths between our diverse cultures and histories.

“The Māori proverb goes ‘He toi whakairo, he mana tangata’; ‘Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity.’ This profound truth guides my vision for this role. Through the elevation of our creative voices, we affirm our shared humanity across the Commonwealth.

“When we honour the artistry within our communities, whether it flows from Sāmoa, my mother's island, or New Zealand, where I was born and grew up, we recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every person whose story deserves to be told.” To read more about Selina's appointment, visit the Commonwealth Foundation website.