MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release
Te Papa Book Launch sequence initiated!
Priming itself as one of the literary hubs for the upcoming 2008 instalment of New Zealand Book Month, Wellington’s Te
Papa Tongarewa launches the season on August 31st at 10am and throws open its doors with festivities for both the older
and younger generations of Kiwi readers.
The day will be opened by the Hon Judith Tizard and Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast, announcing the six winners of
the third edition of The Six Pack and celebrating the tremendous talent within New Zealand’s writing community. It’s a
packed program, with a full day of activities and readings for children, and music, theatre and exemplary literary
performances from some of New Zealand’s top writers.
A collection of fine contemporary Wellington musicians bring Te Marae to life as performers from conceptual group Fly My
Pretties provide compositions for some great Kiwi poetry, while the ‘blokes’ can enjoy the witty conversation from David
Eggleton, Jock Phillips, Duncan Sarkies and Joe Bennet over Books and BBQ’s. The Six Pack judge, previous winner and
playwright Dave Armstrong curates Fruit Salad Sampler; an eccentric/eclectic mix of live performance sourced from a
range of Kiwi books, and Gregory O’Brien closes out the adult programme with this year’s Janet Frame Memorial Lecture.
From making a giant snake, to craft and illustration with Good Morning’s Fifi Colston, The Void becomes a haven for
young readers who are advised to bring their ukulele’s and jam alongside Ukulele experts. Lynley Dodd judges a dress up
competition based on her three fantasy titles: The Nickle Nackle Tree, The Other Ark and The Dungeon is Coming. Kate De
Goldi and Jacqui Colley present their popular Lolly Leopold series with readings and badge making, while Capital E
National Theatre for Children entertains with their dazzling puppetry and contemporary staging of Kiwi Moon. Finally,
the Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust will be on hand with great guides for reading Kiwi books to Kiwi
kids.
For full event information on the Te Papa launch event please see below:
ADULTS – a menu of taste sensations
Location – Te Marae
10.20-11.00: Opening and Six Pack awards
11.30-12.30: Feast my pretties – musicians from Fly my Pretties and The Black Seeds present great kiwi poetry to live
music. ( David Eggleton MC)
1pm – 2pm: Books and BBQs –Jock Phillips talks with David Eggleton , Duncan Sarkies and Joe Bennett ,
2.30-3.30: Fruit Salad Sampler – Books come to life with live performances of a quirky range of kiwi titles. (MC Dave
Armstrong)
4pm-5pm: Janet Frame Memorial Lecture – Gregory O’Brien.
KIDS – a feast of foody and groovy titles to munch on.
Location - The Void
10.30 – 11am: Capital E National Theatre for Children – Kiwi Moon Puppet Performance
11.30-12 am: Joy Cowley’s award winning Snake and Lizard book comes to life!
12.30-1pm: Dress up competition with Lynley Dodd.
1.30-2pm: Fifi Colston (TVNZ): Craft and illustration for kids
2.30-3pm: Kate De Goldi and Jacqui Colley – with their award winning Lolly Leopold series books: Readings and Badge
making for kids.
3.30-4pm: Mike Dickinson will teach kids great ukulele tunes for a great Wellington Ukulele off! With special guest
ukulelers!
For more information on the national programme of events as part of the NZBM, visit www.nzbookmonth.co.nz
ENDS