He also won third prize in the 2015 NZSA Central Districts short story competition ('Aukati'), a competition in which he was awarded Highly Commended in 2014 ('The Boy at Ohinetonga'.) 'The Chain' is his first novel intended for young adults.Īntony is the winner of the 2014 Heartland short story competition ('Fishing the Pungapunga'). He followed this with 'Te Kauhanga: A Tale of Space(s)' in 2014. In 2013, he launched his first novel, 'Redeeming Brother Murrihy: The River to Hiruharama'. He has lived in Taumarunui since then, working at St Patrick's Catholic Primary School and, more recently, as the head of the English department at Taumarunui High School.ĭuring his early years in New Zealand, he wrote sporadically, but with a dream to write novels as a major part of his life-style if not as a career. Originally from Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada, he moved to New Zealand with his wife and two children in 1997. Amazing characters, whacky as hell, brilliantly structured and hugely entertaining.” – James Russell, author of The Dragon Brothers TrilogyĪntony Millen is a Nova Scotian living and writing in New Zealand. Te Kauhanga is a highly entertaining and mysterious tale of spaces that examines how our position and movement in this world influence others. These characters’ lives revolve around the apparently perishing tree of Taumata-an enormous tree, one of the legendary legs of Tane Mahuta and a taonga to local Māori.Īs debate rages in the township about the tree’s future, Perec is led closer to his treasure by the activities of his fellow residents. Stanley Kowalczyk is an insurance adjuster with an obsession with straight lines and a weakness for beautiful women. An attractive woman, she is desired by various rural and municipal courters, until they discover her sad secret. Sharon Pellerine works for the local council. He lives as a recluse in his lighthouse-like home, determined to locate the treasure of his ancestors.

Montreal Perec is an accomplished cartographer with unusual powers of perception.

Te Kauhanga by Antony Millen