Farewell to the "Tane Mahuta" of the book industry

A “marvellous man”, “energetic” and with an “extraordinary impact” on many – these were among the moving tributes for Random House New Zealand managing director Michael Moynahan last week, when members of the New Zealand publishing industry gathered to wish him well on his new assignment in India. After nine years leading the company in this country, he has been appointed managing director of Random House India.

Incoming managing director Karen Ferns said Michael’s complexity and energetic nature meant guests at the event, held at Ponsonby’s Bolliwood restaurant, would try to describe him from a variety of perspectives.

Her own experience was typical: “I sometimes think of Michael as the Tane Mahuta of the book industry - statesman-like, a natural leader, standing tall amongst others - but then he cracks one of his adept one-liners and that image instantly disappears...”

Karen added: “Some of you who only know Michael from parts of his life portfolio will perhaps for the first time realise the extraordinary impact he has had on many if not most of the initiatives in the wider New Zealand book trade over the last 10 years.”

All through this time, she said, “he has talked, listened smoked and gossiped with staff, authors and customers alike, including schlepping around the country each year on our annual Christmas roadshow. That is one of his endearing characteristics: that he has retained an intimacy with the industry on many levels. Staff in bookshops from Invercargill to Palmerston North to Gisborne know who he is and laugh at his jokes.”

Official proceedings included several moving and entertaining tributes from industry movers and shakers to honour Michael and thank him for his tireless commitment to and love of the book business, which he has served so well for 15 years.

Tony Fisk spoke on behalf of book publishers, Linda Henderson for booksellers, Sarah-Kate Lynch for authors, Phil Twyford for New Zealand Book Month, Jill Rawnsley for the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival and Maggie Barry on behalf of the NZ Book Council and the Moynahan clan.

Footnote:

Sadly Bookman Beattie could not be there because of a major family event but this is what I had to say, in part, in my letter of farewell to Michael:

Michael I cannot let you go without saying thank you for all that you have done for books and book people in New Zealand since you assumed the MD’s role at Random House NZ. You have been indeed Mr.Publishing in New Zealand. You have been everywhere, you have done so much and I thank you and salute you.

The following is an image of the farewell card that the Random HouseNZ staff presented to Michael at the staff farewell. It is rather tiny reproduced here but you will get the idea..............

Farewell Michael, God speed.