Oh wow! An English degree won't get me a job, but it will make me SOUND like I could get one in tourist advice! First stop I'd recommend in literature, seeing as you're doing the Dunedin thing, is Janet Frame. Either her novel Owls do Cry or get into some of her poetry. It's all highly accessible in every sense (as in it's easy to read and it's in the libraries). For a perspective of Maori issues and culture you have Witi Ihimaera and Patricia Grace. Both are good writers, although I'd give Ihimaera more kudos because he replied to my letter. Ihimaera wrote the novelette that the recent film Whale Rider was based on. It isn't his most compelling work, I'd recommend one of his "middle" novels like Bulibasha. A form of literature that Kiwis are traditionally reknowned for is the short story. It's the genre that we shine in, and I'd recommend you read NZ short stories above the poetry and novels. Frame and Ihimaera write them, but you also have the likes of Katherine Mansfield (At the Bay, Bliss, Miss Brill, etc). There are many, many big names locally, I recommend an Oxford anthology of NZ Short Stories, actually. You'll find one in the libraries or the Uni Book Shop if you're still in Dunners. As far as poetry goes, you've got local Dunedin writing like David Eggleton, Richard Reeve, Nick Ashcroft and again Janet Frame. My mates and I publish a mind-numbingly crappy poetry publication called Blindswimmer which is in all the cafes - recommended only if you're morbidly curious. If I had to name a general favourite among currently NZ poets I'd recommend you get hold of some Kate Camp. She's been a favourite of mine for years. Hehe, I'm afraid of the condescending world of journalism and writing which is why I'll never break into the scene or get to know many other writers, but I like to watch from the sidelines and have a wee laugh. I hope my observations have helped you out a bit. Best of luck, Matty. For simplicity some bog-standards: Poetry: Janet Frame/Kate Camp - OR find a collection. Short Story: Janet Frame/Witi Ihimaera/Maurice Gee/Patricia Grace - OR find a collection. Novels: Janet Frame/Witi Ihimaera - OR browse the NZ lit section of University Book Shop.
For poetry I ADORE Lauris Edmond, Denis Glover and Dinah Hawkin. Hone Tuwhare is also up there as one of my favourite New Zealand poets. Great short story authors I would reccomend would include Frank Sargeson, Katherine Mansfield and Maurice Duggan. Novels - 'Baby No Eyes' by Patricia Grace is one of the most amazing novels I have ever read. Witi Ihimeara is an incredible writer also.
