In 2001, Paterson chose, as the featured poet in Poetry New Zealand, Pooja Mittal, whom he described as a genius and "the best young poet of all."[9] In December of that year, Paterson hosted a "poetry and champagne" event at the French Embassy in Wellington.[8] The event was Paterson's way of marking the 50th anniversary of Poetry New Zealand, the literary journal then edited by Paterson.[8] Paterson also chose the French Embassy as a way of promoting 23 November issue of the journal which featured work by French poets such as Jacques Darras.[8] In 2003, New Zealand poet and critic Iain Sharp said of Paterson's work with Poetry New Zealand, "Since 1993 he has edited Poetry NZ magazine, tirelessly sending advice to dozens of actual and would-be contributors. I doubt if any other New Zealand editor has been quite so generous with his or her time."[7] That same year, Paterson published Summer on the Cote d'Azur,[7][10] a collection of social and political observation, and romantic theme poems written by Paterson between 1987 and 2003. By 2004, Paterson had opened a Poetry NZ office in Palm Springs, California.[11] At that time, it was the only New Zealand literary journal with an overseas office.[11]