Some of Whangarei Heads' backyard kiwi are flying to Frankfurt this week in the suitcase of a woman who wants to sell them to the world.
No, it's not a case of international wildlife smuggling - bookseller, writer and one of this year's New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards judges, Annemarie Florian, is heading to the world's largest Book Fair in Germany. She will have the picture book, Kiwi - the real story, tucked under her wing. The book is the result of her 18-month creative collaboration with Whangarei Heads illustrator Heather Hunt.
In Frankfurt, Florian will show book buyers, publishing and distribution companies and other writers the book, which offers an insight into kiwi.
This year, for the first time, the fair will have a pavilion dedicated to children's writing. Florian will also promote the book in the New Zealand Booksellers' pavilion.
"There is a growing interest globally in New Zealand writing, and a lot of interest particularly in its wildlife and natural history," Florian said.
The stories behind - the book include the success of Whangarei Heads Landcare Forum and Backyard Kiwi protection and re-population campaigns and other promotional work.
It dwells on a living, thriving population, rather than an endangered national symbol. Florian describes its style as "a narrative non-fiction genre". The book incorporates word-play and rhymes and includes gems about kiwi life and survival in delightfully accessible language.
While Kiwi - The real story is a fun read, the text and artwork reflect how special the kiwi is.
The book is rooted in the Whangarei Heads locale, with Mt Manaia the backdrop to a bushy scene of kiwi family life on one page; the Taurikura ridge a burly shape on the moon-lighted skyline on another; kiwi going about their nocturnal lives in lush bush or crackling bracken.
"These are real kiwi in this book," Hunt said.
"I've based all these characters on kiwi that live within five kilometres of my home. I recognise their voices when they call, I know where their individual territories are."
Kiwi - the real story is published by New Holland which specialises in illustrated, New Zealand non-fiction.
The book will be officially launched at Whangarei Central Library on October 27.