Tributes to flow for much-loved children’s author

24 July 2012

Tributes to flow for much-loved children’s author

A series of tributes will flow this week as the Whakatāne District honours the memory of much-loved, internationally renowned children’s author, Margaret Mahy ONZ.

Described as a ‘giant of literature’, Margaret Mahy, who was born and raised in Whakatāne, passed away this week at the age of 74. She held the country's highest royal honour - The Order of New Zealand – and her literary achievements include 100 picture books, 40 novels and 20 collections of short stories. Many of which have been translated into over 15 languages.

Many of those books will go on display this week at the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre, with public readings of her works to be held over the weekend. Coordinator Library Services, Tangimeriana Rua, says Arts and Culture staff are among the many members of the community who will be deeply saddened by the loss of our literary icon.

“Our sympathy goes to Ms Mahy’s family and friends at this time. She will live on in the minds and hearts of people young and old, here and around the world through her amazing legacy which has been read for the past 66 years. She was first published in Whakatāne by The Beacon at the age of seven. She was an inspirational writer for the children of Whakatāne and all of New Zealand.”

Ms Rua says there will be a prominent display of her works at the Library and Exhibition Centre. “Margaret Mahy was a librarian, so it is even more fitting that we honour her with a celebration of the books and stories she has gifted to the world.

“We have also placed a black ribbon around “The Lion” which sits in, Margaret Mahy Court outside the Whakatāne Civic Centre, and depicts the character from her 1969 book, The Lion in the Meadow,” Ms Rua says.

At 11.00am and midday on Saturday and Sunday, 28 and 29 July, public readings of Margaret Mahy stories will take place in the Little Orchard Activity Room and Atrium at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – The Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre.

“We invite anyone who would like to be involved to come and enjoy the results of Margaret Mahy’s wonderful imagination and share in the magic of her writing,” Ms Rua concludes.

ENDS

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