A collaboration between Sir Ray Avery and journalist Cameron Bennett ,The Power of Us, Launched at Britomart

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

A collaboration between Sir Ray Avery and journalist Cameron Bennett ,The Power of Us, Launched at Britomart

Sir Ray Avery paid tribute to all New Zealanders when he launched new book The Power or Us – a collaboration between him, distinguished journalist Cameron Bennett and noted photographer Adrian Malloch – at Ernst & Young’s stylish Britomart offices in Auckland on Thursday evening.

Standing on E&Y’s expansive, al fresco deck under sunny skies with views to the harbour beyond, Avery said that New Zealanders “are not fond of rules and authority” and that as a result “we can dream big and make our dreams come true”. That is what The Power of Us is all about and what shines through in the stories of the 54 Kiwis profiled in the book. Many of those who feature are well known, including Oscar Kightley, Mai Chen and Sir Graeme Douglas, who were at the launch and celebrated along with more than 100 other guests, chief among them Labour Party Leader David Shearer and Maggie Barry MP.

E&Y Partner Jon Hooper hosted the occasion, which was filmed by Mark Crysell from TV One’s prime-time Close Up programme. Crysell took advantage of the star-studded occasion to grab some time with Sir Ray, Cameron Bennett and some of those who feature in the book, for a story he is putting together for Close Up early next week.