NZ’s largest literary award for Dunedin author

Media release

Embargoed until: 15 June 2007

New Zealand’s largest literary award for Dunedin author

Dunedin author Neville Peat has been awarded the $100,000 Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers’ Fellowship to write a major work about the Tasman Sea.

The Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers’ Fellowship is the largest writing fellowship available in New Zealand and supports established writers to work on a major project over two or more years.

Neville Peat said the Fellowship will allow him the time to tackle the major work about the Tasman Sea, and to complete the third title in the Lark trilogy – a series of books exploring the nature of Southern New Zealand.

“The vast majority of New Zealanders identify with the Pacific Ocean; yet the Tasman defines New Zealand, generates the bulk of our weather, and has a colourful place in our history,” Neville Peat said.

“The Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers’ Fellowship will allow me to travel the western seaboard of New Zealand and research the ways in which communities relate to the Tasman Sea.

“In the book I’ll explore the Tasman Sea’s origins, mythology, natural features, ocean circulation, weather patterns, discovery and exploration, maritime history and dramas, fisheries and mineral resources. I’ll also touch on the trans-Tasman connection – our economic, political, cultural and sporting links with Australia.”

Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright said he was pleased the Fellowship would support the completion of such an interesting project.

“Neville’s concept for a major work on the Tasman Sea is exciting and is a relatively untouched subject which will be of interest to both specialist and general audiences,” Stephen Wainwright said.

Previous recipients of the Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers’ Fellowship are Owen Marshall, Vincent O’Sullivan, CK Stead and Rachel Barrowman.

Neville Peat is currently the deputy chair of the Otago Regional Council. He has written more than 30 books covering geography, natural history, environment and biography. More information about Neville Peat is available at www.nevillepeatsnewzealand.com

ENDS

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