Kings of Hāwera - Roadside Stories

A Manatū Taonga audio guide to Hāwera. Check out the Ministry for Culture and Heritage's audio guide in the image carousel above.

Author Ronald Hugh Morrieson famously once commented that he hoped he wouldn't be discovered after his death -- but, sadly, that was exactly what happened. Never popular in his home town of Hāwera -- which was recognisably skewered in his novels -- Morrieson gained a strong following after his death in 1972. Hāwera is also home to Kevin Wasley, a dedicated Elvis Presley fan who runs a museum celebrating 'The King' -- and sometimes dresses as his hero.

Hāwera,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/taranaki-places/6

Taranaki region: arts and heritage,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/taranaki-region/11

James Ronald Hugh Morrieson,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/5m57

Ronald Hugh Morrieson,
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/taranaki-region/11/1

—

Roadside Stories are a series of audio guides to places of interest on major road trips in New Zealand. Each guide tells the story of an attraction along the way -- its people, its history, its cultural and natural significance. For more information about Roadside Stories visit http://www.mch.govt.nz/roadside/