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Download AudioThe National Library in Wellington includes not just books but a huge repository of diaries, letters and other documents which have been tapped for an event tonight.
Organiser Dame Fiona Kidman says the letters chosen by Maori guest readers including Supreme Court Justice Joe Williams, poet and musician Hinemoana Baker and Professor Ngahuia Te Awekotuku reveal a nuanced and multi-faceted history of Aotearoa-New Zealand.
She says it promises to be a unique experience in recounting history – as told by our forbears.
“What I have seen of the letters our readers have chosen is that there’s going to be an amazing and interesting thread of New Zealand history that runs through them and contemporary New Zealand life, cultural life – I think it’s really exciting,” Dame Fiona says.
Proceeds from tonight’s event will go fund repairs to Randell Cottage in Thorndon, which since 2001 has been a writers’ residency for New Zealand and French writers including Witi Ihimaera, Renée, Tina Makareti and currently Hinemoana Baker.
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