Michele Leggott

Series examining laureateship around the world.

Poet Michele Leggott recalls her first year as New Zealand's laureate and how she coped with losing her eyesight as she travelled the world and explored her new role. Her tokotoko - the laureate's traditional wooden stick - is made out of a pool cue painted blue. As her sight fades, Michele realises that 'my blue stick has quietly prepared the way for my white stick'.