Kiwis have a chance to win a prize fit for a prince and princess
A popular author and illustrator is putting part of the proceeds of her latest book toward a cause long dear to her — saving kiwi. Through her 10 books on Kuwi the Kiwi, Kat Merewether (above left) has raised more than $30,000 for Kiwis for Kiwi — the national charity that supports community kiwi conservation projects. That’s enough to protect 300 kiwi for a year.
During Prince Harry and Meghan’s visit this week, Kiwis for Kiwi presented the entire book collection — autographed by Merewether — as its official gift to the royal couple and their coming baby. Merewether has always been a passionate conservationist, taking the lead from her father who worked at the former Wildlife Department. “Kiwi have always fascinated me and I would spend hours as a child in the bush imagining I saw kiwi in the shrubbery,” she said. “Unfortunately, there were none to be seen. So now I’m helping the only way I know how.” Merewether also travels the country talking to schools about kiwi conservation, in her role as an official Kiwis for Kiwi ambassador, and conducts illustration workshops.
The Kuwi series consistently sit on the Top Ten Bestsellers list and three of the books have been translated into te reo Māori. Merewether has also created a Kuwi the Kiwi themed colouring book, toys, puzzles, children’s eco-friendly dinnerware and a cookbook.
In her latest book, Kuwi’s Rowdy Crowd, all Kuwi the Kiwi wants is to sit down with a quiet cup of tea but wherever she goes, someone turns up to shatter the peace.
The book was inspired by Merewether’s own experiences with her three children.
This week saw the 200,000th book in the series — eclipsing the 5000 that Merewether once aspired to sell.