Setting Sail: Te Kupenga: 101 Stories of Aotearoa from the Turnbull
11 November 2021
A semi-virtual soft launch on the 11th of November celebrated the writers, editors, imaging team and publishers that have contributed to Te Kupenga. Somewhat restricted due to Covid, we look to the 16th of February 2022 to celebrate this achievement as it truly deserves.
Featuring a Q&A In Conversation segment with publisher Nicola Legat (Massey University Press), editors Chris Szekely and Michael Keith, we delved into the journey of the creation of Te Kupenga.
A writer’s perspective was given by Erena Williamson, acknowledging the coaching of the editorial team in producing the personal stories she wrote. Paul Diamond also addressed the audience, sharing the influence that the charitable support of the library had made to his career.
Elizabeth Jones of Services to Schools acknowledged the effort of her team in creating the next steps for the book and its integration with the programmes being developed to deliver the histories curriculum it to schools in 2022. They will also distribute the 540 books donated to every secondary school throughout New Zealand.
On behalf of the Trust, deputy chair Dame Suzanne Snively thanked Massey University Press and the talented team of literary and visual artists, who “so eloquently shared their passion for the library through stories of 400 words.” Dame Suzanne presented a gift of thanks to the editors, publisher, and the programme manager and invited all contributors to receive a copy of Te Kupenga.
Dame Suzanne acknowledged that “the result superseded our initial vision. All contributors have optimised their talents to result in a publication that speaks to our current and future audiences and remains a proud legacy for the Alexander Turnbull Library. The Turnbull Endowment Trust wishes to acknowledge your significant contribution to this work, which we are thrilled to have gracing the shelves of bookstores throughout New Zealand today.“
A moving karakia from Ruki Tobin sent the book on its journey.
Published to mark 100 years since the establishment of the famous Alexander Turnbull Library, one of New Zealand’s great storehouses, this energetic, comprehensive book approaches the history of Aotearoa New Zealand through 101 remarkable objects.
Each tells a story, be it of discovery, courage, dispossession, conflict, invention, creation, or conservation. The objects range from letters and paintings to journals, photographs, posters, banners and books. The place each has in the patchwork of the narrative creates a vivid overall view of the people of this place and the unique histories they have made together.
An invaluable resource for schools and the home, and a great way to dive into our history, Te Kupenga takes us deep inside the remarkable Turnbull collection and sheds light on who we are.
Massey University Press November 2021
Media Links for Te Kupenga so far:
OnMAS magazine – Preservation for posterity here
RNZ, Kim Hill – Interview with Chris here
Sunday Star Times / Stuff – Interview with Chris and extract here
Dominion Post / Stuff – How I Write feature (Chris) here
NZ Herald - Gift books feature (attached and online here [paywalled])
NZ Listener – Book review, November 13 - 19 issue
NZ Listener - Best Books of 2021 inclusion November 22 - 26 issue
North & South – Book review (December issue)
NZ Geographic – Review (November issue) here
NZ Geographic – Series of extracts from December issue onwards
Māori TV – Interview with Chris, 12.20pm, 15 November
Kete Books – Review here and newsletter inclusion here
Read NZ – Q&A and social media promotion, here
Kids Books NZ – Review here
NZ Booklovers – Review here