Inaugural NZ Book Month’s Invitation To The Nation
Monday September 18th 2006 at 12 noon
The launch of New Zealand’s first ever Book Month will be held simultaneously at 12 noon on Monday September 18th in
Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
New Zealanders are invited to come along to the launches and donate a new or previously loved NZ book to one of three
colourful 2.4m high bookshelves located at Aotea Square in Auckland, the steps of Parliament in Wellington and Cathedral
Square in Christchurch.
Well-known NZ authors and celebrities will join book lovers in donating their favourite book/s. All donated books will
be given to the not-for-profit organisation Books in Homes.
The Books in Homes’ aim of ‘breaking the cycle booklessness’ is based around the idea that children from bookless homes,
with no reading role models in their environment, can become more interested in reading if they own books themselves,
have the opportunity to share them with other family members and can return to them many times.
Phil Twyford, Project Director of NZ Book Month, says, “I’m sure the bookshelves will reflect the amazing diversity and
quality of NZ books. We hope that the children who receive the donated books through Books in Homes will grow up to love
New Zealand books. We’re thrilled they’ll be able to share the books with their families, because the great thing about
reading is that it’s an experience you can share with others.”
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The first 50 people at each launch event who donate a book will receive a complimentary copy of The Six Pack. The Six
Pack, published to celebrate NZ Book Month, is an anthology of six pieces of new writing by a mixture of well-known and
previously unpublished New Zealand authors. The author’s identities were kept secret during a selection process
conducted by a panel of judges and a public online poll. The result is a fantastically diverse range of authors from a
variety of backgrounds. These six authors will be announced on September 18th and will be present at the launches to
receive their $5,000 prize each.
Those based out of the main centres can still be involved. To have your pre-loved NZ book/s feature on a bookshelf at
the official launch post them to: NZ Book Month, PO Box 52-016, Kingsland, New Zealand. The first 50 donations received
will be sent a copy of The Six Pack in return. The Six Pack will be given free to all New Zealand secondary schools and
public libraries and will also be available throughout the month from good bookstores nationwide for only $6.
The Project Director of NZ Book Month, Phil Twyford says, “The launch of NZ Book Month is only the beginning of the
festivities planned to celebrate NZ writers and NZ books. We’re hoping to introduce or reintroduce the world of NZ
literature to every New Zealander. Kiwis don’t need to search far and wide for a good read - from sport to travel,
history to romance – there is a New Zealand book for everyone.”
NZ Book Month, from September 18th to October 15th 2006, is a national celebration of NZ books and NZ writers. It is
supported by booksellers, publishers, writers, librarians and book lovers of all descriptions and is inspired by the
exceptional literary talent found in Aotearoa. Check out www.nzbookmonth.co.nz to explore how NZ Book Month has
something for everyone.
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