What is ‘New Zealand identity’? How do we express ourselves through these particular cultural activities which are after all, universal?

Here, performance poet, cultural historian, book reviewer and film editor David Eggleton talks with Graeme Lay. David held a Michael King Writers Centre residency at the time of this interview. The two discuss his progress as he works on three different publications of poetry, his influences and his experiences as ‘The Mad Kiwi Ranter’ (David’s successful performance poet mantle from the mid 80’s).

David is widely published and not only in poetry, he has also written ‘The History of New Zealand Photography’ and ‘The Story of New Zealand Rock Music’, it is David’s endless fascination with New Zealand identity which binds his work together.

Photo Credit: Liz March