Richard Seddon was New Zealand’s longest-serving Prime
Minister and regarded as a formidable and colourful leader.
The Hon. David Cunliffe, Seddon's great great-nephew, will join others to officially launch Professor
Tom Brooking’s biography Richard Seddon: King of God’s Own, published by
Penguin Group NZ, and preside over a significant and memorable event to be
held at Hokitika's Regent Theatre on Saturday, September 6, at 5.30pm.
The event will be attended by some of Seddon’s direct descendants; the oldest
present will help cut the launch ribbon at the opening ceremony. Mike Havill,
Mayor of Westland District, will also address the event, which has been
organised by Bruce Watson, co-owner of Take Note Hokitika and the Theatre
Society's President.
The evening of entertainment will also feature an illustrated account by
Tom Brooking about how he came to research and write Richard Seddon: King of
God’s Own; a large slide screen show of historic photographs from the
Hokitika Museum Collection; oral history recordings; music; and a book signing. Tickets are $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine
or beer and light refreshments; these can be purchased online at www.hokitikaregent.com or direct at Hokitika’s Regent Theatre. Doors open at
5pm for drinks and book purchases; a cash bar will operate before and after the
launch.
Tom Brooking’s biography was instigated
by the late Michael King and sets a new benchmark in New Zealand history
writing. Paul Moon, author of New Zealand in
the Twentieth Century, described it as “the definitive biography of one of New
Zealand’s most influential political leaders".
About the author:
Professor Tom Brooking holds a personal chair in history at the
University of Otago, where he has taught courses in New Zealand, Australian and
British history, as well as political biography, since 1978. He specialises in
environmental and political history, and the connections between Scotland and
New Zealand.
Penguin Books - Hardcover - $65.00
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