Author inducted into Te Awamutu Walk of Fame

A best-selling author will be inducted into the Te Awamutu Walk of Fame in acknowledgement of her worldwide literary success.

Pirongia-born Heather Morris will be the 29th prominent local honoured with pou in Selwyn Park.

The Walk of Fame recognises and celebrates local identities who have achieved world recognition in their field.

Morris is the author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, a historic novel based on interviews with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov.

The novel has sold more than one million copies since its release last year, was a #1 New York Times Bestseller and #1 International Bestseller.

This week, Morris travelled to Te Awamutu to launch its sequel, Cilka’s Journey, based on a true story of a young woman who survives Auschwitz, only to find herself locked away again.

At the book launch on Monday, Waipā District Council mayor Jim Mylchreest announced Heather would be inducted into the Te Awamutu Walk of Fame.

“Heather has made a huge impact around the world with her writing and we are proud to know her roots are in the Te Awamutu area,” he said.

“Heather is in good company, joining many impressive local men and women who have accomplished great things with strong ties to the district.”

Other notable names in the Te Awamutu Walk of Fame include musicians Tim and Neil Finn, husband and wife Pat and Paddy Stephens, who were integral in establishing the Te Awamutu Rose Garden, and Rewi Manga Maniapoto, widely respected for his knowledge, oratory and leadership skills, as well as military acumen.

Inductees to the Te Awamutu Walk of Fame must have been born in Te Awamutu or its environs, or achieved their notable success as a resident.

November 2019 marked ten years since the Te Awamutu Walk of Fame was officially opened by King Tūheitia, with 18 pou unveiled.

The concept was initiated by Te Awamutu Alive, an organisation set up to promote and recognise Te Awamutu and district identities, and it has since been adopted by Council.

Morris will be inducted at an official Walk of Fame ceremony next year. The full list of names featured in the Te Awamutu Walk of Fame are available at www.waipadc.govt.nz/your-waipa/about-waipa/walks-of-fame.