Friday, August 21, 2009

Kiwis in for another high country treat - The Bendigo Station Story

Chrissie Fernyhough’s high country story was an instant bestseller a few years ago. A tale of pluck and determination, it immediately struck a chord with Kiwis. Now it’s Bendigo’s turn.

Random House Books is publishing John and Heather Perriam’s inspiring story which promises to be another winning blend of history and good old Kiwi can-do spirit.
The book will be launched at the end of October and John will then tour to promote the book. Pic left shows John with Shrek - Country Calendar photo.

The Bendigo story is a classic not only for heartland New Zealand but an inspiration for all walks of Kiwi life with an underpinning philosophy that the strength is in the struggle.
But success for Bendigo, the iconic home of Shrek,(pic right), living with his merino cousins in the vast Central Otago paradise, has not come easy.

Through radical transformation, Bendigo is now also home of New Zealand’s highest quality Pinot vineyards, merino wool; and public, ecological and historical reserves with walkways and lakeside recreational areas.
The story of how all this came about will be a must-read. The beyond the farm gate entrepreneurial exploits of John Perriam has lead to him stepping outside of his comfort zone and confronting bureaucracy and politics at the highest level championing industry and community interests.

Random House’s deputy publishing director, Jenny Hellen, says the book called Dust to Gold, is sure to resonate with heartland New Zealand in the same way that Fernyhough’s book did.
“We’ve sold just under 30,000 copies of The Road to Castle Hill to date which would have to be a record for a farming book. Anyone who enjoyed Castle Hill will also love Dust to Gold because it’s another great pioneering story from the heart. It’s also another rare insight into the highs and lows of high country life,” she says.

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