Kokako, Literary Magazine, Nos 6 & 7. (April and September 2007). Twice yearly. $20 for two issues, 42 Flanshaw Street, Te Atatu South Auckland 8. This is mainly a vehicle for the Haiku form of poetry. Some mixed results here and many are truism without special flavour or quirkiness. Some pack a punch, like “new memorial / they blew up / the old one” (Ernest Berry). A lot obviously result from a lot of careful looking and seeing. I think most of them will stand up anywhere. You should have a good look.

Geography for the Lost, poems by Kapka Kassabova, Auckland University Press, NZ, Private Bag 92019, Auckland. Stilkl in her 30's, and writing since the age of 8, Kassabova has a wealth of diversified writing behind her. Travel writing, novels, poetry and with some teaching thrown in. An accomplished writer in French, too, her most notable achievements seem to have been in English. This book highlights this. This book highlights this. Much of it seems to have been written off the top of her head, though; somewhat scattered through diversification. Never mind, it's the power of the thought that comes through and thrusts aside any cuteness that 'prevails' to end bland statements of fact. This is not just a travelogue, but a deep exploration into mind that many will find most rewarding.

JAAM 24, now an annual, published by the Jaam Publishing Co-op, 97/43 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon, Wellington. Subs on application. Described in the editorial by Clare Needham as 'stories and games', it is just that, good choices, but a lot of it are a bit trite even if genuine. Some people write so as to make a mark rather than to have an effect. Jack Ross, Mark Pirie, Jennifer Compton and Brian E. Turner seem to be the best of these. But all in all, we need the diversity that this magazine can offer.

Takahe 61, Literary and Arts Magazine, Box 13-335, Christchurch, NZ $25 p.a. (NZ) Subscription. This is one of the better NZ Lit Magazines and one that has stood the test of time. Three times a year form Christchurch NZ. The editors are good and experienced; no loose work is allowed in here. Some obscure works, like Jenny Powel-Chalmers' 'After the Ascension' - delve into that one if you can! Iain Brittain is always good value. The reviews section impresses - always so thoroughly done. We need deep analysis like this. Everybody should subscribe to this most important NZ Lit Mag.

Booklets, Earl of Seacliff Art Workshop, P.O. Box 211, Otaki, NZ. Selling for $5 a copy. Lively fresh work. Another three little books of poems by well known people. Gemma Rowsell. Her poem about Bukowski is a bit messy and I look for somebody who can do it better. Victor O'Leary is better, I feel - even though some of it is a bit trite and obscure. Much of it lacks individual style but the sentiments are interesting, and sometimes enlightening. Frances Cherry's work is interesting; more genuine perhaps? Brian E. Turner's little 'pocket book of poems' is interesting - but truisms abound here. There is some of meaning though, like (No.32 “Oh Lord” - a conflict between design and faith. This series is a valuable contribution to New Zealand writing.

Repeating the Mantra, poems by Adrian Manning. A 28 page book of this English poet hailing from Dover, UK, published by Bottle of Smoke Press, 2007. Manning is a UK poet of some worth. He is a convert to some of the 'meat poets' of the USA in the 1960's and 1970's. The subtleness of some of these pieces far outstrips local work from here, NZ. This book won't be available in New Zealand but you can check it out at www.bospress.net . I am sure it will be worth your while. We need people like Manning.

Incognito. Poems by Jessica Le Bas, Auckland university Press, Private Bag 92019, Auckland NZ. Born in Auckland and now living in Nelson, NZ, Le Bas has had a varied career, from menial work to now, tutoring and is also the mother of seven children. She has 'come through the system' and been published here and there - but in some heavyweight publications like 'North and South', too. An award winner too, this is her first collection of poems representing five years of writing. I wouldn't say she is on another planet, but much of the writing seems deliberately distracted. But don't get me wrong, there's some wisdom here. Maybe we need more of this, if we can see through the cracks. Try it.

Cold Snack. Poems by Janet Charman. Auckland University Press, Private Bag 92019, Auckland NZ. A good New Zealand girl, born and bred here; her work impresses me with it insight and dedication. With some five books behind her, since 1987, she has some credibility for her work. I liked “Those who can each”, about letting the shackles drop. Much of it is a bit precious though and you get the feeling that you unenlightened souls are being entertained, waiting for a 'breakthrough'. Some of it is definitely obscure - like 'Lord of the Rings' special knowledge required and not part of everybody's bag. One poem ends 'life reflects art'; ho hum, why not the other way around? A book worth buying, though.

All Blacks' Kitchen Gardens, poems by Tim Jones. HeadworX, 97/43 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon, Wellington, NZ. $24. I have always been an admirer of Tim Jones' work. Perhaps a bit of a late-comer to the trade of writing after being active as an environmental advocate. However, he brings much skill and craft to his writing tasks. This is the 39th book in HeadworX's 'New Poetry' series, highlighting some of our best writers. This is Jones' third book and it has me captivated. The tasteful photo in the front has been lovingly prepared. I liked 'Bloody but Unbowed' best, a short poem lovingly crafted, with pungency and feeling. The personal melds, rather than intrudes, in 'The Creek Beach', a poem about Southland rivers. 'Tethered Flight' is bout keas and is well constructed and with some genuine feeling. There are gold nuggets aplenty in this gem of a book. Make sure you get your copy.

Straight, a novel by Michael O'Leary. The third of his trilogy concerning his life. Earl of Seacliff Press, Paekakariki, Wellington, $24. In this novel O'Leary keeps on finding out bits of his past he thought he had forgotten. It is an object lesson for those who ought to consider writing about their lives instead of simply stuffing it into boxes to be cast out when you expire. I admire his courage. I will read this book right through shortly, but meantime I recommend to you as potentially interesting and exciting; that will make you love life even more than you do now.

Villon in Millerton, poems by James Norcliffe. Auckland University Press, Private Bag 92019, Auckland NZ. $25. Norcliffe is a true poetic trouper, Plenty of awards and plenty of writing to his name. This is his sixth collection of poetry, at age 61. His work has appeared in many publications, both here and overseas. No wonder his publisher gathered a grant to do this book. It's nice that Norcliffe has written five novels for children and that more are coming. Keen to participate in literary matters, Norcliffe is involved in Takahe magazine and, also, the Christchurch Press. In his poem, though, Norcliffe has developed a rather precious way of saying things, as if he is looking for deeper material to express. But for the persistent, let's say dedicated, there are rewards here. His is prosy work and I struggle to find a distinctive style. I see the deprecating bits but do find the occasional jewel - things that you will have to find for yourselves.

Here and There, Now and Then. Esaw Press, Isa Moynihan. P. O. Box 42, Paekakariki, Wellington NZ. Mills and Boon alive again? Very readable though. This sort appeals to most of us even if it is not ground-breaking. Some contentious work here though, subject-wise. Moynihan is good at her craft and can recognise good craft when she sees it, being an experienced editor of the short story genre. I find her a work a bit culturally muddled and some of it is a bit pretentious. However, I think the work here is deserving of a good look, try it.

Naumai, Selected Stories by John Moffat. Horowhenua Writers Group, 7 Cargill Street, Levin, NZ. This is a good, light read. Nothing wrong with that. It is a generous book of some 178 pages. Brian E. Turner has done a good job of the cover and setup for printing. He is becoming somewhat of a welcome expert at this. The work itself is somewhat unremarkable. I liked 'The Auction' best although it does ramble a bit. Brevity is the art of good expression. I do wish people wouldn't write lines like this (in 'The Cry of the Blackbird'); “steam from the kettle jug wreathed sensuously upward, as fleeting and elusive as inspiration”. Most the work is great for light reading, so I suggest you have a go at it.

Becoming someone who Isn't, poetry by Jill Chan. Esaw Press, Box 42, Paekakariki, Wellington. Another nice and welcome production from this well-known press. Some good input in this little book; Bernard Gadd, Michael O'Leary, Brian E. Turner, and others. A nice book to have, pick it up and take what you like here, it's all good. It should have wide appeal.

Just Poetry, poems by Alistair Te Ariki Campbell, HeadworX Press, 97/43 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon, Wellington. 60pp $19.99. Campbell's voice in New Zealand poetry is almost legendary. The biggest selling and most interesting of New Zealand's multi-cultural poets. There's a lovely photo of him on the cover dated 1973 which doesn't look the least dated or jaded. His work captures the spirit of Maoridom and Island cultures, full of earth and flesh, where the elements and man meld in strikingly revelatory ways. This is only a little book, his 24th so far but one you would need for your collection. You can return to this book again and again for startling new insights. Campbell hasn't forgotten a thing, it seems, and we shouldn't forget him.

Borderline, a novel by Bonnie Rozanski, Published in Canada by the Porcupine's Quill, 68 Main Street, Ontario, Canada. $22.95 (Canada) 205pp. This book is classed as juvenile fiction but I really wonder if adolescents would come to grips with this book, but I hope so, anyway. There's no doubt that this book has something definite to say, about autism and young people having to cope with a world that is continually changing, for good or bad. A brush with the wilderness always opens things up, though and is a refreshing change form the clutter of family scenes etc. The style is slow-paced and at times drifts and loses clarity. Maybe a bit too wordy and resulting from an attempt to 'get it all in', particularly in a book of this kind, where clarity and brevity is always needed. I congratulate the author and publisher for bringing a book like this into the world. It's important that its important meaningful messages do not slip through the cracks.

Bravado, a literary magazine, issue 10, $9.95. Published by the Bravado Editorial Collective, $27.50 for 3 issues. This is a wonderful mix or work, selected by young and some venturesome editors with a wealth of experience between them. Some brave choices here and so beautifully produced, too. I was very much attracted to the interview of Bill Manhire, by Harvey McQuuen. Manhire the master of the short pungent statement has plenty of useful advice for young writers, realising the technical usefulness of finely honed poetry in sorting out the mess of our lives. For sheer pleasure, there is much here. Iain Sharp's 'Sharp Point' is enlightening and he does alert us to the pleasures and lessons of the past. Sometimes the minutiae is more than minutely interesting. I liked Gemma Rowsell's poem, 'Wellington Blues' for a bit of fun madness Some of the other poetry is rather involved, and serious, but all in all, this magazine surely should be an essential addition to your collection.

The Girl Child, a short novel by P. R. Lakshman. Published and printed in India. $26.99(NZ). This is a short novel about ordinary things, close family and cultural differences between the Fiji/New Zealand/Indian author. Priya. Discusses cultural differences but there is alack of tension here. The domestic activity is interesting, but not directly connected to most readers' perceptions. Still it is a worthy attempt to highlight cultures and the changes of habitat, for whatever reasons to our notice. Princess (first name) moved to New Zealand in 2003 and developed her writing skills. She is involved with 'remedial therapies', working as a natural therapist. I hope this little book is widely available because it will certainly interest many.

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