The New Zealand Book Council is thrilled to announce
esteemed writer Albert Wendt ONZ, CNZM as our new patron.
Born in Apia, Western Samoa, Albert has published a huge
range of fiction and poetry, as well as theoretical writing. He is
internationally recognised for fostering and promoting New Zealand and Pacific
literature.
In 2012, Albert won the $60,000 Prime Minister's Award for
Literary Achievement for Fiction, and was honoured as a member of The Order of
New Zealand for services to New Zealand in the Queen's Birthday Honours List
2013.
“I’ve loved reading and books all my life," says
Albert. “They’re at the centre of all that I am, and I can’t envisage a world
without them.
"The New Zealand Book Council does marvellous work in
encouraging, fostering, and promoting reading and books. I feel hugely
privileged to have been asked by the Council to be its patron."
"The New Zealand Book Council is honoured to have
Albert Wendt as our patron," said Board Chair Peter Biggs.
"Albert is one of New Zealand's most renowned writers
and, as a pioneering Pasifika writer in New Zealand, he has been the
inspiration for our country's wonderful flowering of Pasifika literary talent.
"He has opened up the Pasifika experience to all New Zealanders.
Albert's new role is a deepening of the Book Council's commitment to Pasifika
writers and readers."
Footnote from Bookman Beattie:
Bravo Albert my old friend, delighted for you and for the NZ Book Council.
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