Souvenir publication in boxes soon
13 December 2013
With just weeks to go before Waipa district launches its 150th anniversary commemorations, the button has been pushed to start printing the district's sesquicentennial souvenir publication.
The Commemorations Community Committee made up of representatives from across the district is behind the document which has been managed by council staff.
Community relationships manager Wayne Green said the committee wanted something that could be retained as a reference and was an engaging read.
They considered a newsprint version but wanted something with more longevity. And they didn't want to produce yet another academic history of Waipa - there are already ample publications in that space.
We wanted to entertain and engage our communities in our history - some of the key stories and characters but also some of the unique and quirky stories that have shaped our communities. We wanted something readers could pick up more than once and that wouldn't disintegrate after a week on the coffee table
The 80-page souvenir publication has been authored by respected former New Zealand Herald journalist Kingsley Field and noted military historian and author Richard Stowers.
It's taken most of the year for Kingsley and Richard to research and write the booklet. They've spent time with our museum staff digging up old photographs and reading through the old Waipa papers. The book could easily be twice the size. Hopefully the community will be inspired to do their own digging in our local museums and libraries.
The publication, which cost $70,500 has been funded from money set aside by the Council for the commemorations.
We think the booklet is a great investment in our collective history. It's about understanding where we have come from in our 150th year. I'm sure it will trigger lots of memories and prompt plenty of story-telling, Mr Green said.
The A-4 size souvenir publication will be delivered free to every home in the district in the last week of January. Additional copies will available at i-Sites, museums and libraries.
Ends
For further information contact: Wayne Green, 027 293 8679
