Northland writers feature at event
The Northland branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors will celebrate New Zealand Book Week with an event featuring two Northland writers, both finalists in this year’s Ockham New Zealand Book Award, at Kings Theatre Creative, Kawakawa, on Sunday (starting 1.30pm).
Annaleese Jochems was shortlisted for the Acorn Fiction Award, and won the Hubert Church Best First Book Award for her novel
Baby, described by international judge Alan Taylor as “the kind of novel that lingers in the memory long after you put it down”.
Poet Briar Wood was short-listed for the poetry prize for her collection, Ra¯ wa¯ hi, Paula Green (NZ Poetry Shelf) saying, “This book draws upon whakapapa, love, relations, ecology, the past and the present. Its warmth and its empathy are infectious.”
Northland writer, poet, performer and musician Vivian Thonger will interview Annaleese and Briar about their work, with time for questions from the audience and networking with local writers, along with what is promised will be some “sparkling” entertainment.
The event is funded by Foundation North and NZSA Northland, admission free.