Book Launch - The Mighty Totara: The Life and Times of Norman Kirk
The Fabian Society, in conjunction with Random House and UBS, invites you to the launch of David Grant's book.
'The mighty totara has fallen' – the death of Norman Kirk drew such a comment. The lament reflected what many New
Zealanders felt about this big, commanding and loved leader.
One of our greatest Prime Ministers and humanitarians. A self-educated, rough diamond Norman Kirk could not only capture
the hearts and minds of ordinary Kiwis but also woo other world leaders on the global stage?
Please join us to celebrate the new book,The Mighty Totara: The Life and Times of Norman Kirk, by David Grant.
David Grant examines Kirk’s political leadership; his successes, especially his stunning performances on the
international stage, and also his later difficulties, as he became seriously ill and as the country’s economy was rocked
by international oil shocks.
He gives us a compelling, warts-and-all portrait of a remarkable and charismatic man, a portrait of a New Zealand at the
cusp of modernity, as young people and intellectuals pushed hard on abortion and homosexual law reform, and as the
anti-apartheid, feminist and nuclear-free movements started to gain traction.
This account reminds us how lacking a vision and concern too many others leaders in New Zealand have been. Kirk was of a
conservative generation yet he had an unfailing belief in our tiny Pacific coastal nation, and a determination that that
we could punch above our weight and make a difference.
David Grant will speak of the research and ideas that formed the book. Several guests will comment on their memory of
the Kirk era.
Venue: Lecture Theatre 4, Owen Glen Building, University of Auckland.
Copies of the book will be available for sale & autograph.
When:
• March 27th, 2014 6:00 PM through 8:00 PM
Location:
• 10 Grafton Road
Business School
Owen Glenn Building, University of Auckland
Auckland, AUK
New Zealand
Parking available under the OGB building
Ends