Parliament Launch for Opotiki Novel
Media Release
18 March 2015
A novel being launched at Parliament this month highlights the important role art can play in nurturing children facing
social and economic difficulties will be presented on the world stage later this year.
Oku Moe Moea – The dream which is bigger than I am was written by Shona Hammond Boys and is based on her experience as the founder and director of the New Zealand
Children’s Art Houses Foundation.
The novel and an accompanying short film was to be launched by East Coast MP Anne Tolley as New Zealand’s contribution
to the World Children’s Festival hosted by International Child Art Foundation in Washington D.C. mid-year.
The story focuses on Victory, a boy who would seem to have it all. He is growing up in a beautiful location on the east
coast of New Zealand’s North Island, surrounded by generations of his people.
Victory must, however, deal with personal, family and community anguish as society changes. In doing so, he finds his
way to a future through art.
Shona Hammond Boys says Victory’s story was inspired by the transformation she has seen in young people through the
growing presence of art in their lives.
“It is true that economic circumstances mean many children face terrible difficulties but their participation in art
programmes has opened doors for them to achieve personal success.”
Shona, who was born in Pureora Forest and now lives in Opotiki, has travelled the world promoting the power of art for
children. Last year, she used a pledging fund to raise money for the development of the short film of the story.
Her book is being published by independent publisher, BMS Books Ltd, and it is pleased by the reception the story is
receiving from teachers and commentators.
For more information on this book, go to:
For more information about Oku Moe Moea, the short film, go to:
For more information on the World Children’s Festival, go to: