Celebrated Pasifika writer new patron for the NZBC

Celebrated Pasifika writer new patron for the New Zealand Book Council

The New Zealand Book Council is thrilled to announce esteemed writer Albert Wendt ONZ, CNZM as our new patron.

Born in Apia, Western Samoa, Albert has published a huge range of fiction and poetry, as well as theoretical writing. He is internationally recognised for fostering and promoting New Zealand and Pacific literature.

In 2012, Albert won the $60,000 Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement for Fiction, and was honoured as a member of The Order of New Zealand for services to New Zealand in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2013.

“I’ve loved reading and books all my life," says Albert. “They’re at the centre of all that I am, and I can’t envisage a world without them.

"The New Zealand Book Council does marvellous work in encouraging, fostering, and promoting reading and books. I feel hugely privileged to have been asked by the Council to be its patron."

"The New Zealand Book Council is honoured to have Albert Wendt as our patron," said Board Chair Peter Biggs.

"Albert is one of New Zealand's most renowned writers and, as a pioneering Pasifika writer in New Zealand, he has been the inspiration for our country's wonderful flowering of Pasifika literary talent.

"He has opened up the Pasifika experience to all New Zealanders. Albert's new role is a deepening of the Book Council's commitment to Pasifika writers and readers."

ENDS

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