The harbour was
sparkling, the waterfront was crowded with people enjoying the balmy sunshine -
it was a perfect evening for the unveiling of Stage IV of the Wellington
Writers Walk.
Since its opening in 2002,
the Wellington Writers Walk has become one of the showpieces of the city, honouring
local writers and proving a fascinating addition to the urban landscape. Four
new benchmark sculptures have now been added to the existing 19 works, making a
total of 23 authors whose work is celebrated in this way.
Speeches in Circa
Theatre included one from Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae who is joint
patron of the Writers Walk with his wife, Lady Janine. Invited guests and
members of the public then walked to each new plaque in turn for its unveiling.
First was Sir James
McNeish, whose benchmark is situated on the bridge behind Te Papa leading to
Waitangi Park and Chaffers Marina. Elizabeth Knox’s benchmark was unveiled at a
temporary spot before being installed near the Meridian Energy Building,
Customhouse Quay, in front of Michael Tuffery’s kina sculpture. (Breakfast TV
did a live cross to cover this on Monday 25 March.)
Joy Cowley’s benchmark
is on the lower walkway, quite close to the Katherine Mansfield plaque (you
might need to lean over the fence to see it.) Reading out her quotation, Joy
commented how people complain about the Wellington southerly, but forget to
praise the gorgeous day that often follows it.
Jack Lasenby’s
quotation is placed sideways on a pole near the Wharewaka. Jack declared that
he was sure the local seagulls – one of which obligingly came and perched on
top of the pole - would now be flying around with cricked necks as a result.
Sponsors of the new
quotations are The Todd Corporation for James McNeish, The Deane Foundation for
Elizabeth Knox, Mark and Wendy McGuinness for Jack Lasenby and Jenny Morel,
Allan Bollard and Penguin Books for Joy Cowley.
This was a great
event, bringing together many writers and members of the literary community to
celebrate and enjoy what is a very special part of our city. It has been an
exciting couple of years for the Writers Walk, which also featured at the
Frankfurt Book Fair and launched a wonderful new website (http://www.wellingtonwriterswalk.co.nz/ ) and Facebook page.
Brochures about the
Writers Walk contain a map and QR
code that will take smartphone users to the website, although the four new
benchmarks are not yet included. Brochures are free but postage is required for
multiple copies for schools. Contact rowil@slingshot.co.nz
Philippa Werry
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