Haiku’s origins are social. The ‘hokku’ provided the starting point of collaborative linked poetry known as ‘renga’. While our haiku often arise from moments of solo observation and quiet reflection, writing of haiku also flourishes through interaction with other poets, whether reading or hearing their work, engaging in workshopping by giving and receiving constructive criticism, or discussing poems and techniques. International Haiku Poetry Day on 17th April encourages connection with fellow haiku poets, from simply sharing our enjoyment of the form to allowing ourselves to be challenged to experiment with different approaches. I know that many poets have planned activities to mark the occasion in various ways, whether on the day or close to it.
HaikuOz/Australian Haiku Society has operated as an online resource for close to 25 years, having been formed under the leadership of the late John Bird in late 2000. Many important haiku practitioners have been involved over this time, including Janice Bostok and Katherine Samuelowicz, who, like John Bird, are unfortunately no longer with us.
I’m honoured to have the opportunity to serve the Australian Haiku community as President of the Australian Haiku Society for the next four years. I’d like to thank Lyn Reeves for all her years of dedicated service to the society. I’d also like to thank Rob Scott for being at the helm of the society for the last four years. The establishment of the John Bird Dreaming Award and the publication of the Fourth Australian Haiku Anthology have been the two outstanding achievements during Rob’s term. My gratitude goes as well to Clem Byard, who, as Assistant Secretary, has been a great back-up to me the past couple of years.
I’d like to warmly welcome the new members of the committee and thank them for volunteering their time, energy and ideas: Maureen Sexton, Wanda Amos and Alison Rogers. Alison is stepping into the Secretary role, and that transition is already underway. Maureen is looking after our Facebook site, which she was already doing without formal recognition. Wanda will bring a further fresh perspective to the committee.
With Rob moving to the role of Vice-President, and Lynette Arden continuing as Web Manager, the new committee is a balance of experienced members and fresh faces. I hope this will prove a dynamic combination that builds on the legacy of previous committee members and other contributors to help fulfil the society’s mission of promoting the enjoyment of haiku and fostering the writing of haiku with Australian flavours. Familiar activities will continue, together with some new initiatives, so that the society continues to serve, reflect and connect the diverse Australian haiku community – experienced and novice poets; those who belong to formal groups, and those exploring the form on their own; regional, remote, suburban and city poets … indeed all poets across Australia who appreciate haiku.
Leanne Mumford
Australian Haiku Society 