Brian Turner, the acclaimed former New Zealand Poet Laureate, has passed away at the age of 80. According to New Zealand news outlet Newsroom, his death was attributed to a heart attack. The family of the beloved writer and conservationist confirmed his passing.
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“Brian passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning after visits from family on Tuesday. His much loved partner Jillian was with him,” the family wrote, per New Zealand outlet Stuff.
“The family, and those closest to Brian, would like to extend their appreciation to Dunstan Hospital, Longwood Care Home in Riverton and Aspiring Enliven Care Centre in Wanaka for their compassionate care and appreciation of his wit.”
Brian Turner will no longer be holding up the heavens of Kiwi poetry and nature. RIP, Magister! pic.twitter.com/rBuqUp6tIT
— AlexandraEDumitrescu (@AlexandraBalm) February 5, 2025
Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Turner has called the Central Otago township of Oturehua home since 1999.
He served as Poet Laureate from 2003 to 2005. He was also awarded an honorary Doctorate of Literature by the University of Otago. His literary achievements include winning the Commonwealth Poetry Prize and the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement in Poetry. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to literature and environmental advocacy, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2020.
He authored several poetry collections, including Ladders of Rain, All That Blue, Footfall, and Night Fishing. In addition to his poetic works, he penned biographies of All Blacks (New Zealand’s national rugby union team) legends Colin Meads and Anton Oliver.
Brian Turner Was Also an Avid Sportsman
Brian Turner was born into a family deeply connected to sports. His brothers, Glenn Turner, a former New Zealand cricket captain, and Greg Turner, a professional golfer, both excelled in their respective fields. Brian shared this passion for sports, becoming an enthusiastic cyclist and representing New Zealand in hockey during the 1960s.
Brian Turner – Writer, Hockey Player, Caddie & Poet Laurette of New Zealand. RIP pic.twitter.com/BNLofcwGL1
— JH (@jarodhitchcock) February 5, 2025
He conquered numerous significant peaks, including Aoraki/Mt Cook. He also embraced cycling as his passion in later years, according to RNZ. On the morning of his 80th birthday last March, he celebrated by cycling alongside Julian Dean, a seven-time Tour de France competitor.
The family kindly requests that, instead of flowers, donations be made to the Central Otago Environmental Society.