No Town too Small to be WOWed
Words on Wheels visits a different area of rural New Zealand each year on a six year cycle. In 1999 it was the deep south, in 1998, the East Cape.... This year WOW sets out for the top of the South Island on 22 February 2005. Six dynamic New Zealand writers will pile into a van and rip round the West Coast, Takaka, Motueka, Richmond, Nelson, Picton, Blenheim and Kaikoura.No Town too Small to be WOWed
Words on Wheels visits a different area of rural New Zealand each year on a six year cycle. In 1999 it was the deep south, in 1998, the East Cape.... This year WOW sets out for the top of the South Island on 22 February 2005. Six dynamic New Zealand writers will pile into a van and rip round the West Coast, Takaka, Motueka, Richmond, Nelson, Picton, Blenheim and Kaikoura."WOW gives people in rural communities a chance to meet top-flight writers," says Book Council Director Karen Ross. "We find communities are still buzzing long after WOW has departed - it is a real shot in the arm for the cultural life of the region."

A writer's impression of the first tour in 1993 captures the positive and vibrant nature of the experience, with writers reading work

"to every imaginable audience in every venue from school hall, private home, library, civic centre, to wine bar.... Places like Havelock North, Wairoa, Opotiki, Waipukurau and Taihape couldn't believe that six New Zealand writers were coming to town."

WOW Goes Wild in 2005

WOW sets out for the top of the South Island on Tuesday 22 February 2005. Six dynamic New Zealand writers will pile into a van and rip round the West Coast, Takaka, Motueka, Richmond, Nelson, Picton, Blenheim and Kaikoura.

Join Kate De Goldi, James Brown, Fiona Farrell, Peter Wells, Nick Bollinger and Tusiata Avia as they read and perform their work in libraries, cafes, schools, town halls, parks and even vineyards.

This year's line-up takes some of New Zealand's most exciting writers to their readers. So prepare to be delighted by James Brown's cheek and Kate De Goldi's charm. Talk music with Nick Bollinger and books with Fiona Farrell. Peter Wells will tackle film, memoir and novels and Tusiata Avia will enchant young and old with her unique take on island life.

Check out the New Zealand Book Council website www.bookcouncil.org.nz for a full WOW 2005 Itinerary

Watch this space for full details of the tour, or contact Jess Ridout, Events & Touring, New Zealand Book Council. Ph 04 4991569 Fax 04 499 1424 Email events@bookcouncil.org.nz