News/Events/Press

A Slice of History Proves A Winner for Takahe Short Story Competition

Ali Foster, entrant in the Mitre 10 Childrens' Short Story writing competition was 'overjoyed' to learn today that she is the winner of the competition, and that her story, 'Elwyn's Dream' is to be published by Random House.

The winning story 'Elwyn's Dream' is charming, gently humorous and based on an amazing true story. It tells of the imaginative and persistent Elwyn Welch of Mount Bruce near Masterton who used his bantams to raise chicks in the 1950's. Eventually Elwyn's farm because the foundation of Pukaha/ Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre.  Elwyn's widow, Mrs Shirley Welch, is delighted her husband's dream is to be printed and is thrilled for the author.

Ali Foster, mother of three and teachers aide from Masterton highlighted that she had been trying for decades to become a published author and this was proof that " if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" " For this competition I spent ages researching different story angles and following all sorts of leads.  Finally I reached a stage where I knew I had enough information and that's when this story just seemed to flow".

Ali who learnt to read Braille last year also hopes that her book once published will be available in Braille and as a talking book. " It might sound  a bit ambitious but having work with visually impaired children I now want to be able to share my success and the sentiments of the story with as many New Zealanders as possible." she said.

Paula Arblaster, Brand Manager, Mitre 10 believes that this story and the hundreds of others received in this inaugural takahe short story competition highlight the value that New Zealanders attach to looking after and learning about their native species. " With both this writing competition and the kids art competition we witnessed New Zealanders from far north and far south place a lot of time and effort into capturing the magic of takahe, the bird that was thought to be extinct".

"Mitre 10 Takahe Rescue resonates with all New Zealanders and now, with this children's book moving into the publishing process, our understanding of the role takahe has had in the history of New Zealand can be extended that little bit further" says Ms Arblaster.

The Foster family win a trip to Te Anau and a tour of the Department of Conservation takahe breeding unit a Burwood Bush.

Elwyn's Dream is not expected to be released in New Zealand until early 2008.

For further information please contact: Jane Arnott 0274 715 785, 03 355 8248, 03 355 1466

Additional: Quote from Random House

"Random House New Zealand is delighted that the Mitre 10 competition produced so many terrific stories. We are even more pleased to discover Ali Foster's lovely story Elwyn's Dream and we look forward to producing a beautiful illustrated picture book of it in early 2008. We think New Zealand children will thoroughly enjoy this story and that it will also serve to encourage conservation of the takahe. This has been a fantastic collaboration between the NZ National Parks & Conservation Foundation, Mitre 10 and Random House New Zealand.'

Jenny Hellen, Publisher Non-fiction and Children's, Random House New Zealand