Karen Zelas Writer & Editor
This Month's Poem
Pukeko Publications
Pūkeko Publications
​Aspiring Light: Tititea Ma
by Christchurch poet, Robynanne Milford
Aspiring Light, is a book of poems that capture Wanaka's history from pre-European to modern times. Milford has brought to light characters who shaped, explored, named and pioneered the area. Her poetry is informed by her passion for art and music, as well as history. Milford's careful and thorough research has teased out many true stories which she has immortalized in verse.
Inspiration has been collected from many sources, such as the poetry of James K Baxter and Bernadette Hall, the music of Douglas Lilburn, the photographs of Brian Brake, the paintings of John Drawbridge, Rita Angus and others, as well as from the region's magnificent scenery.
Pages: 118 Illustrations: 9 colour and b&w,
including paintings by Rita Angus, John Drawbridge
Published 15 April 2015
​feathers unfettered
25 New Zealand Birds
poems: Karen Zelas
illustrations: Jan FitzGerald
published by Pūkeko Publications, Christchurch
feathers unfettered features poetic and visual portraits of 25 New Zealand birds, some common garden, forest or sea birds, others in danger of extinction. The poems and drawings 'speak' to each other. Both are ornithologically accurate, while at the same time fanciful.
The book is structured in a 'scientific' manner, in alphabetical order by Maori name, giving also species names and common names. Zelas's poems portray the birds' physical and behavioural characteristics, sometimes with a twist that alludes to their relationship with humans or the environment.
Napier artist/poet Jan FitzGerald is well-known for her charming, indigenous-style illustrations, which locate the birds firmly in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Available: In selected bookshops
and through this website: Click here.
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Pūkeko Publications is a small independent publishing venture.
Kaupapa
The kaupapa of Pūkeko Publications is to help manuscripts that nourish the soul, delight the eye and titillate the imagination become books.
· Selection of manuscripts for publication is at the discretion of the publisher.
· No direct charge is made for reading, in-house advice or other assistance.
· All outgoings, including printing, will be met by the author of the manuscript.
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· A small commission will be negotiated, based on the size of the print run, as remuneration for the publisher.
Please contact Pūkeko Publications through this website before submitting a manuscript.