NZ Writers Found in Wilderness

Media Release: For immediate release

Date: 04 July 2007

NZ Writers Found in Wilderness

What’s better than a Six Pack after a long, hard tramp? Trampers will now be able to rest their weary legs after enjoying the New Zealand wilderness and savour the work of six New Zealand writers.

NZ Book Month is providing a unique chance for nature lovers to sample New Zealand writing by donating a copy of the 2006 Six Pack, an anthology of new New Zealand writing, to each of the 949 DOC-managed back country huts.

Project Director Phil Twyford says, “This opportunity highlights the versatility and appeal of New Zealand books and writers – something NZ Book Month strives for – and highlights the synergy between our visual and creative landscapes. What better place to enjoy Kiwi writing than in the inspirational setting of the great Kiwi outdoors!"

The Department of Conservation views the gifting as a novel way to profile Kiwi culture. “People staying in huts on conservation land can now appreciate New Zealand literature while savouring the scenic landscapes that inspire such creativity”, says Director-General of Conservation Al Morrison.

“Trampers can’t always fit books into their packs so it’s good to have some easy-to-read and enjoyable reading material in huts, such as the short stories and poems featured in the Six Pack.”

The inaugural 2006 NZ Book Month, a non-profit initiative aimed at getting more New Zealanders reading New Zealand books, engaged hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders. The Six Pack, published to celebrate the Month, was priced at $6 and remained in the top five of the Booksellers New Zealand Bestsellers List for New Zealand Fiction for 14 weeks.

The six writers featured in the anthology were selected from hundreds of entries. The mix of writing includes poetry by one of New Zealand's best-known poets, Brian Turner, and a moving short story by Phoebe Wright, a 15-year-old student from Burnside High School in Christchurch.

This year’s NZ Book Month, a month long celebration of NZ books and NZ writers which aims to inspire book lovers all over the country, will take place from 2-30 September 2007.

ENDS

http://www.nzbookmonth.co.nz

NZ Book Month is supported by Creative New Zealand, Ministry of Economic Development, Television New Zealand, Radioworks and the book trade.

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