Press Release: Young entrepreneurs launch audio CD of star authors

Ten of New Zealand’s best-loved writers are
being given a fresh voice with help from a group of New Plymouth teenagers.

Short stories by Witi Ihimaera, David Hill, Patricia Grace, Elizabeth Smither and more, have been recorded for a talking book called Nga Korero, Talking Stories.

The talking book is the brainchild of four Young Enterprise students from New Plymouth Girls’ High School, who have founded the company, Aotearoa Audio.

“We found there was a gap in the market for recordings of stories that we study at school,” says managing director Meg Bartle. “So we approached a whole bunch of authors and they were all keen to be part of this talking book.”

Along with Meg, Sharleen Walton, Amy Avery and Nikaela Boshier have been working hard to launch the CD, which is narrated by New Plymouth actress Juliet McLean and produced by Jason Bevan at Mediaworks.

New Plymouth author David Hill is a great supporter of the girls and has given his guidance to the project as well as helping to get other authors on board. Appropriately, the short story he has provided for the talking book is called Friendly Persuasion.

In a letter to fellow writers, Hill wrote: “…they’re a commendably committed quartet; I’m impressed by their integrity and industry, and I reckon it’s a damn good cause. So if you feel you can help at all, that would be terrific.”

The talking book is aimed at everyone from high school students and the visually impaired through to those with a love of New Zealand literature and people who enjoy listening to the spoken word.

Aotearoa Audio will be donating 5% of their profits to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.

Marketing director Amy Avery says the CD is a perfect gift for friends and family, especially those overseas seeking a taste of Kiwi.

“It will also be great for long car journeys. A talking book will keep you wide awake and make the trip an enjoyable ride,” she says.

The stories are:

Nga Korero, Talking Stories, was launched at New Plymouth Girls’ High School on Tuesday, June 16, at 5.30pm.

The CDs cost $20.00 each.

For further information please contact:

Aotearoa Audio Managing Director Meg Bartle

Phone: 027 380 68 55

Email: aotearoaaudio@npghs.school.nz

Website: www.aotearoaaudio.yolasite.com