KEY POINTS:
Emotion filled the Civic Theatre yesterday as news of Hone Tuwhare's imminent arrival spread throughout the historic Auckland venue.
At 84, the acclaimed poet, playwright and author made the arduous journey from his Kaka Pt home in Otago to see last night's Tuwhare concert - created in his honour - for the first time.
Ill-health prevented Tuwhare from attending last year's opening season of the concert at Wellington's New Zealand International Festival for the Arts.
Writer and director Charlotte Yates was thrilled that Tuwhare would be attending the concert, which was part of the Auckland Festival, AK07.
"To have him able to make it is just wonderful.
"But it's put everyone through the roof today.
"People have been nearly crying," she said. "We just hope he likes it."
The concert, which was first commissioned in 2005 as a CD composition, featured 12 prominent local recording artists.
They each performed a different Tuwhare poem, adapted to music to create an original song.
Singer Hinemoana Baker said she was honoured to be performing for Tuwhare, whom she has admired since she was a teenager.
In 1964, Tuwhare became the first Maori to have a book of poetry published in English, when the collection No Ordinary Sun was released.
"He's been very influential on a lot of writers," said Yates.
"Plus, he's what the Irish call good craic. He's great fun."
AK07: What's on today
* Lisa Chappell returns to New Zealand to perform in The Homecoming, at the Herald Theatre, until April 1.
* Comprising some of New Zealand's top recording talent, the Steve Abel Band performs tonight at the Festival Club.
Tomorrow
* Black Grace's new all-female production Amata opens at SkyCity Theatre, until Sunday.
* Nelson musicians Trio Con Brio play a one-hour twilight concert at St Matthew-in-the-City, at 6pm.
