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Michael King Fellowship author seeking New Zealanders stories about the totara tree

Wednesday 7 October 2009, 5:03PM

By Creative New Zealand

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Michael King Fellowship recipient Philip Simpson (Right) receiving his award from the Hon Chris Finlayson (left) Minister of Arts Culture and Heritage.
Michael King Fellowship recipient Philip Simpson (Right) receiving his award from the Hon Chris Finlayson (left) Minister of Arts Culture and Heritage. Credit: Creative New Zealand
Philip Simpson with his award and part of a Totara branch
Philip Simpson with his award and part of a Totara branch Credit: Creative New Zealand

Takaka resident, writer Philip Simpson was presented the $100,000 Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers’ Fellowship today, by Hon Christopher Finlayson - Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, in a ceremony in Wellington.

 

Philip Simpson was awarded the fellowship to research and write a comprehensive natural and cultural history of the New Zealand totara tree. Speaking today, he said he was looking forward to immersing himself in the mysteries of totara as he writes the story of the immense social role that this iconic native tree has in New Zealand’s history.

 

Simpson wants New Zealanders help and is keen to hear from people who have their own personal totara stories; in particular the role the totara has in Maoridom, through legends and whakatauki (sayings), the physical totara aspects for carving of buildings, waka and personal items. He also wants to hear stories about the amazing role that totara played in the establishment of farming (fencing) and architecture as well as in art, literature, craft and other creative works. [Details of how to contact Philip Simpson below]

 

The Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers’ Fellowship is New Zealand’s largest writing fellowship and supports established writers to work on a major project over two or more years.

 

Philip Simpson is the seventh recipient of the Michael King fellowship since its inauguration in 2003. It was renamed in recognition of the late Michael King for his contribution to literature and his role in advocating for a major fellowship for New Zealand writers.

 

Previous recipients of the Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers’ Fellowship are Owen Marshall, Vincent O’Sullivan, CK Stead, Rachel Barrowman, Neville Peat and Dame Fiona Kidman.