2010 New Zealand Post Book Awards ceremony

2 Sep 2010

Red roses and ivy in tall arrangements on the long rows of tables with white cloths and red runners –the Langham Ballroom looked magnificent at first sight - like Hogwarts Castle without the flying owls. As 400 guests found their seats, the scene came to life.

The first New Zealand Post Book Awards was a wonderful celebration, both reflective and joyous. Ngati Whatua did the korero and Jennifer Ward-Lealand was an impeccable master of ceremonies. Dr Michael Cullen, deputy chair of the New Zealand Post Board, brought his good humoured wit to the celebration, telling us to “Thank Minister for Arts Chris Finlayson – the dinner tab for the evening is going on his ministerial credit card.”

The NZSA Best First Book Awards were first up, Anna Taylor for her short story collection Relief, Pip Desmond in non-fiction for Trust: A True Story of Women & Gangs – with waiata support – and poet Selina Tusitala Marsh for Fast Talking PI.

Anna Taylor and Selina Tusitala Marsh

Pip Desmond and her support crew

Al Brown made his first appearance on stage as winner of the People’s Choice Award for Go Fish, clearly as popular with the bookseller audience.

But for all the moments of good cheer, there were moving, revelatory ones. The General Non-fiction Award to Judith Binney for Encircled Lands: Te Urewera, 1820-1921 was supported with ceremony and song from a small Tuhoe group headed by Wharehuia Milroy. Binney and Milroy, both Professors Emeritus and recipients of New Zealand Historical Association Awards, showed unaffected dignity that was moving. Without a hint of a lecture, we understood more about Tuhoe and their loss of land. It was revealed that Binney was named by the tribe Tomoirangi o Te Aroha (a little cloud of rain from heaven) in recognition of her work.

Al Brown

Al Brown was bewildered at receiving the Illustrated Non-fiction Award for Go Fish. “I wasn’t even very good at fifth form English the second time around,” but used the occasion to make a plea for conservation of our fish stocks.

Just This by Brian Turner won the Poetry Award. Turner, dubbed the Thoreau of Central Otago by The Listener, is a writer over many genres, but his collection was described as a life’s work in its reach, its depth and its deceptive plainness of surface.

Brian Turner

Tears almost choked Alison Wong as she recounted her journey to writing As the Earth Turns Silver, the Fiction Award winner. The novel was inspired by a long-held family secret revealed at the Wong family’s celebration of a century in New Zealand. Wong spoke candidly of hard times endured, and the support of her family “Despite the fact that it is not Chinese to work hard – but earn no money!”

Alison Wong

Fewer awards made for a more relaxed ceremony, but a sense of urgency surrounded the Book of the Year announcement as Arts Minister Finlayson revealed the press embargo on results had just expired and news from the outside world might reach us before the presentation.

The announcement of Judith Binney’s Encircled Lands: Te Urewera, 1820-1921 as the first New Zealand Post Book of the Year brought loud applause. Judith Binney was gracious and the Tuhoe waiata was loud and proud.

Undoubtedly a great launch for New Zealand Post Book Awards.

Judith Binney with Minister Christopher Finlayson; Jennifer Ward-Lealand (MC)

High points, thank yous and one very small gripe:

Judges: you did an excellent job, spoke interestingly and briefly and let the authors be the stars. Compliments to Stephen Stratford, Paul Diamond, Neville Peat, Elizabeth Smither and a warm hearted Charmaine Pountney who moved to Alison Wong’s side in support.

The Press Pack: I’ve never seen a bigger press turnout at any previous book awards, so that’s a plus. And my, can those photographers eat. Guess they need to keep their energy up even though cameras are smaller these days!

Our MC: Jennifer Ward Lealand’s voice and diction can make instructions to turn off phones or how to approach the buffet almost as good as listening to poetry…

Speakers and presenters: take a bow Michael Cullen, Alastair Carruthers, Chris Finlayson and our own Hamish Wright. Your speeches were both appropriate and succinct.

Smiling publishers: Bridget Williams, Geoff Walker, Nicola Legat, Jenny Hellen, Fergus Barrowman, Sam Elworthy.

Trophies: The greenstone trophies were said to be so fragile they couldn’t be presented as the awards were announced… Every winner ought to be able to flourish their trophy in triumph for the cameras. Imagine the Olympics without medals.

VIEW THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS HERE