New Zealand announces theme for 2012 Guest of Honour at Frankfurt Book Fair

“He meomoēa he ohorere / While you are sleeping / Bevor es bei Euch hell wird” is the slogan under which New Zealand will present itself as 2012 Frankfurt Book Fair’s Guest of Honour.

The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage, which is dedicated to preserving the national heritage of Aotearoa, views the country’s selection as the Guest of Honour for the Frankfurt Book Fair as a unique opportunity to present the cultural diversity of New Zealand.

The announcement was made at a media conference in Germany, as part of this year's Frankfurt Book Fair.

VIDEO: see the unveiling of the Guest of Honour brand for 2012.

“New Zealand’s role as Guest of Honour in 2012 is an unprecedented high point for our writers, publishers and artists. The opportunity to share our creativity and unique perspective with Germany and Europe at the Frankfurt Book Fair is a once in a life-time opportunity and we are excited to bring our voice to you next year,” says Tanea Heke, Project Leader.

The diverse programme of the 2012 Guest of Honour is being eagerly anticipated. The Director of the Frankfurt Book Fair, Juergen Boos, Director of the Frankfurt Book Fair said.

“For us as readers New Zealand is a terra incognita – and what could be better than the prospect of a journey into the unknown? New Zealand’s literature has been heavily influenced by a variety of cultures and media formats, so its presence at the book fair promises to be an exciting and intense cultural experience.”

The New Zealand literary scene is enjoying growing popularity. The press conference speakers also emphasised some of their home country’s other extraordinary qualities.

Aside from its world-famous spectacular natural scenery, New Zealand has made a name for itself with its technological and scientific expertise in highly developed economic sectors, such as ultra-modern post production and the design of 3D feature films.

Ministry of Culture and Heritage Chief Executive Lewis Holden drew the audience’s attention to the wide range of presentation options available to New Zealand: “The Frankfurt Book Fair is a hub of energy that creates and shares new ideas that become part of our lives through books, e-books, and films – all the things that give us pleasure in life and inspire us an intellectual way. New Zealand is delighted to be the Guest of Honour for 2012 and to share our stories with the world.”
 

VIDEO: watch the press conference and scenes from the 2011 Frankfurt Book Fair

With New Zealand as Guest of Honour, visitors can look forward to a compelling mix of modern and traditional influences, as well as an outstanding programme of art and culture.

For more information, visit the Guest of Honour website.