Wai-te-ata Press and the NZ Centre for Literary Translation in conjunction with the High Commission of Pakistan recently hosted a celebration of Pakistani culture featuring exquisite food, evocative vocal music and multilingual poetry readings.

A highlight of the evening was the launch of a handbound keepsake celebrating the life and work of renowned writer, philosopher, and political activist, Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938). His poem, 'Al- Mu'tamid's prison lament' originally written in Urdu, was translated into English by Mustansir Mir and Māori by Hone Apanui, with a creative response by New Zealand poet, Michael Harlowe.

This keepsake is the final title in the ongoing series, The Diplomatic Edition, which initiated the 50th anniversary celebrations of Wai-te-ata Press in 2012. The culmination of these creative conversations will be the launch of The World in a Box on 12 November. For more information, please contact wtapress@vuw.ac.nz.

Email: