Auckland Writers Off To Frankfurt

Manatū Taonga/Ministry For Culture And Heritage

Media Release

September 18, 2012

Auckland Writers Off To Frankfurt

Auckland's best-known writers are heading to Europe shortly to spread the word about New Zealand literature.

A baker's dozen of authors from the City of Sails are among the 68 New Zealand writers who will be in Germany next month for the Frankfurt Book Fair.

New Zealand is the guest of honour country at the world’s oldest and most prestigious book fair this year. The writers will be participating in a programme of events and presentations at the book fair which runs for five days and attracts about 300,000 visitors.

The Auckland authors who will be in Frankfurt reading from their work and participating in a range of discussions are: Alix Bosco (aka Greg McGee), Aroha Harris, Dylan Horrocks, Witi Ihimaera, Annabel Langbein, Ole Maiava, Courtney Meredith, Emily Perkins, Nalini Singh, C.K Stead, Robert Sullivan and Chad Taylor and Michael Cooper.

Kevin Chapman, president of the Publishers of New Zealand Association, describes the opportunity to be guest of honour as unparalleled in the publishing industry.

“This is the biggest international promotion of New Zealand writers to ever occur. New Zealand at the Frankfurt Book Fair is our chance to show the world the spectrum of our talented writers, from literary hero Witi Ihimaera to food guru Annabel Langbein to paranormal romance superstar Nalini Singh”.

The central focus of the Guest of Honour programme is a purpose-uilt 2500m² pavilion. Renowned architects Patterson Associates and event maestros, Inside Out Productions, have designed an impressive installation featuring live and audio-visual presentations that bring a New Zealand experience to life for German audiences.

The status of guest of honour puts New Zealand centre stage in Germany for this year long promotion. Between June and October New Zealand writers will feature in more than 260 literary events in 51 cities and towns – mostly in Germany but also in Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Italy and the UK.

Kevin says “There’s huge interest in New Zealand in Germany and this is a great opportunity to shine the light on everything we celebrate about our country, the talents of our people, the innovation of our businesses and the quality of our education and lifestyle.”

ENDS

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