Catalyst presents Ron Riddell

Catalyst Presents:

Ron Riddell
Celebrating the launch of his new book:
'Leaves Of Light', published in LA by Caza De Poesia.

Three events over three days:

1. Thursday July 7th, 8pm, at Creation (105 Worcester Street, Christchurch).

"The Place and the Power of Poetry in Latin America"

A presentation by Ron Riddell with images and readings from his work, accompanied by readings from five Christchurch Poets.

2. Friday, July 8th, 9pm. at Wunderbar, Lyttelton
Party extravaganza with Ron reading excerpts from his work accompanied by Le Mot Cafe and readings from five Lyttelton Poets

3. Saturday July 9th, 11am. Madras Café Books
Ron reading from his new book, a book signing and discussion at Madras café books.

Copies of Leaves Of Light will be available for sale at the various venues.


Leaves of Light, is the 15th collection of poetry by the internationally celebrated N.Z. poet Ron Riddell. Published in June 2005 in Los Angeles, U.S.A., by Caza de Poesia, it is the third bi-lingual volume (English/Spanish) to be published by the poet. The poems were written in N.Z. and Latin America between 2000 and 2004. Leaves of Light has been awarded The House of Poetry International Award (U.S.A.) for 2005.

Leaves of Light is a fresh, lively and lyrical collection of poems, which celebrates the natural world. It also deals with themes of oppression and exile; encouraging a peaceful approach to such human challenges and injustices. With tones of humour, compassion and warmth, the poems celebrate human diversity and sharing.

Ron Riddell is founder and director of The Wellington International Poetry Festival in Wellington, New Zealand. He and his Colombian wife, Saray Torres, organize annually this important new festival on the international cultural scene. In 2004 he was finalist in The Wellingtonian of the Year Awards. In 2005, Riddell has participated in The Austin International Poetry Festival, Texas, U.S.A., El Encuentro Internacional de Poetas en El Salvador and the United States National Poetry Month, in Los Angeles, featuring in events such as The Metro Poetry in Motion and the Poetry Showcase at the Alex Haleigh Gallery in Gardena.

Ron Riddell has previously published two very popular bi-lingual collections of poetry, El Milagro de Medellin, Medellin, Colombia, 2002 and Spirit Songs, Medellin, Colombia, 2004. The latter was launched in Los Angeles in February, 2004 at the Residence of The New Zealand Consulate General, Los Angeles.


Ron Riddell, 70 Wilkie Crescent, Naenae, Wellington, N.Z.
Phone: 577 17 47
Email: rriddell@paradise.net.nz