From the subterranean launch of The Tunnel in our Backyard

An unforgettable launch last evening of The Tunnel in our Backyard in a volcanic cave between Three Kings and Mt Eden. Congratulations to author Malcolm Paterson and illustrator Hana Maihi for their achievement, and sincere thanks to the Albert-Eden Local Board for supporting the event. 

Photos by Justis Kamu, courtesy of The Well-Connected Alliance 

New children's book lights up Auckland heritage for Matariki

Out in good bookstores tomorrow, The Tunnel in our Backyard is a fun picture book that brings history and the environment to life for primary-school age kids .

The second in the Sharing our Stories series is published to coincide with a celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year.

Ngāti Whātua author Malcolm Paterson and illustrator Hana Maihi tell the continuing adventures of cousins Jennifer and Tui as they discover that right around them in Auckland are stories and landscapes just as exciting as what's on Playstation or TV.

The 'tunnel' in the book's title refers both to the giant road tunnel under construction in Waterview, and the volcanic tunnel the kids discover running under Mount Albert/Owairaka.

The 32-page book is in English with plentiful Te Reo vocab (explained in footnotes), and includes a map and links to help readers and schools connect with their local heritage. 

Click here for more about The Tunnel in our Backyard.

PANZ International Conference shapes up to be a milestone event

Excitement is growing ahead of the PANZ International Conference 2016 from 30 June to 1 July in Auckland.

The Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ) has brought together an impressive line-up of international and New Zealand speakers for the conference - in line with the theme Local Publishing, Global Thinking.

More than a hundred publishing and creative industry professionals are expected to attend the event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in central Auckland.

A full programme and details are available on the PANZ website conference page.

I'm really looking forward to engaging with some of the top publishing brains from around NZ and the region in what promises to be a stimulating couple of days.

- Peter Dowling, Publisher, Oratia Books