Waimarama storyteller given boost

Robert MacDonald is on the Huia Publishers Te Papa Tupu Programme. Photo / Supplied

Ensuring the stories of a lifetime are not forgotten has given a 65-year-old Waimarama man a new direction in life, and success to boot.

Robert MacDonald, director of Waimarama Maori Tours, was recently selected as one of only six writers throughout New Zealand for the Huia Publishers Te Papa Tupu Programme.

The programme runs every two years and connects writers with mentors from the industry over six months, with the possibility of having their manuscript published.

Mr MacDonald, who is of Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane descent, often writes about the stories he heard from his parents and grandparents and he said the stories need to be recorded.

"My stories are an accumulation of my lifetime and my ongoing concern was that if I didn't write them down they would be lost forever."

Making the final for the Pikihuia Awards for a short story last year was the beginning of his new adventure, although he has always written in some form, he said.

"At my age, this really is a new direction."

"I never considered this is where I would end up but I'm enjoying the challenge."

Mr MacDonald said he does not consider himself a writer, just a person who writes stories.

"It was a real surprise to be selected for the programme," he said.

Unlike the other writers selected for the Te Papa Tupu Programme, Mr MacDonald said he has not had formal training, so he has got work to do to catch up.

Mr MacDonald has just had two days in Wellington with mentors, and he said he learnt a lot more about the industry and appreciates how much dedication is required.

He said whether his work is published depends largely on what is marketable and topical but he is keen to make the most of the opportunity.

"It's all very exciting," he said.