NZ-OZ Connections

Congratulations to Rebecca Durrer, whose research note, "Representing the New Zealand Ideal," appears in the current issue of the Social Science Journal, journal of the Western Social Science Association, home of the New Zealand & Australian Studies Section. Rebecca has presented her work at least twice in the section; indeed, the publication here noted derives from one of her paper presentations. Well done, Rebecca.

Wonder of wonder, The World's Fastest Indian is showing in theaters in Fargo, North Dakota. I can recommend the film not only as a fine and generous production but also as a good teaching vehicle for college students. Burt Munro so well represents those two Kiwi archetypes, the handy bloke and the colonial innocent, and the film so well draws out images of both NZ and the US, that the film offers much for discussion.

Prior to this spring's WSSA meeting, ZZ & I enjoyed another productive research junket to Otago. I'm posting images from our travels and research in my main blog, Travel on the Gravel.

Thanks to Dave and Bill for putting a good program together again! Phoenix proved a fine venue, the meeting rewarding. Here are a couple of snaps.



Noah Riseman, University of Melbourne, and Suzzanne Kelley, North Dakota State University, were new presenters in the New Zealand & Australian Studies Section; here they lead a party of section members on a dinner outing to the Arizona Center.



This year's book discussion session focused on The Extraordinary Voyages of Captain James Cook, by Nicholas Thomas. The discussion was enlivened by bottles of Central Otago Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.