Creativity in Motion: Deanna Gunn and The Ballad of Joe Taihape
Adventure, poetry, and bold illustration come together in The Ballad of Joe Taihape (2026), a striking new collection by acclaimed New Zealand poet and GP Glenn Colquhoun. This graphic epic celebrates narrative verse, rhythm, and rhyme, bringing stories and characters vividly to life. Joe Taihape began as a playful exchange between Glenn and Nigel Brown, growing into an exhibition painted by Brown and later a book written by Glenn, which invited artists from across Aotearoa to contribute visual interpretations of the poems.
Manawatū Community Hub Libraries are proud to feature this book and to highlight Deanna Gunn, MCHL Makerspace Specialist, who illustrated pages 36–51 (Episode the Second). Remarkably, Glenn had previously approached Deanna for other projects during high school, this project began in 2021, two years after she completed her degree.Making her involvement an exceptional example of youth creativity recognised on a national stage. Today, she continues to illustrate professionally, holding a Bachelor of Creative Media from UCOL with a focus on illustration.
“It was an honour to collaborate with so many amazing NZ artists. Glenn celebrates each artist’s individual voice, and paired with the thoughtful, playful poetry, the project feels like a real celebration of creativity. Fostering that creative voice is so important, and I feel very lucky to have had my illustration work featured.” says Deanna Gunn.
At the MCHL Makerspace, Deanna now guides others to explore illustration, design, and creative technologies, showing how easy it can be to bring ideas to life using the Makerspace equipment. Her work demonstrates how libraries and Makerspaces can nurture talent, inspire creativity, and provide a supportive space for artists of all ages.
The Ballad of Joe Taihape is available through the Manawatū Community Hub Libraries catalogue, with copies accessible via the library and some online bookstores. It can also be purchased via Glenn’s website: www.glenncolquhoun.net.
To find out more about the Makerspace | Manawatū Community Hub Libraries
Deanna Gunn, Makerspace Specialist, pictured in front of a graphic novel book display including The Ballad of Joe Taihape.