Best New Zealand Poems 04 was launched today on the net with the very able Emma Neale as editor. Apparently Andrew Johnson has got the job next year but that’s another story.

Haven’t had time to check it out yet – I’m telling you about it when I could be reading them poems – but the IIML reckon it’s all about passion. Emma has ‘selected a group of poems that demonstrate an often passionate engagement, whether with the intimate world of lovers (Tusiata Avia, Vincent O'Sullivan), family (Hinemoana Baker, Anne Kennedy) and friends, or with issues of broader social concern, such as refugees (Tze Ming Mok) or drug addiction (Vivienne Plumb).’ Go Emma.

So without further ado, go and gloat over our passionate best. I’m going to settle down with a nice cuppa once the tiny terrors are abed.