Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand reads School Days by Maurice Gee

School Days has been selected from the collection A Glorious Morning Comrade published by Auckland University Press in 1976, read in memory of Maurice Gee, who we lost in June this year at the age of 93. He left a profound legacy to NZ literature, and during his lifetime wrote prolifically, producing over thirty novels for adults and children. After publishing his first three novels, including In My Father’s Den, he released A Glorious Morning, Comrade in 1976. The story we have chosen is a nod to his earlier career as a teacher and school librarian.

Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand CNZM is a long-time admirer of Maurice’s work and had an opportunity to meet him when she appeared in Fracture, the film based on his novel Crime Story. She has worked extensively as an actor, director and teacher for over 40 years, and in 2019 she received a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre, film and television and a Woman of Influence Award for arts and culture. In 2020 she was honoured as the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year. She was gifted the name Te Atamira (The Stage) by Sir Tīmoti Kāretu and the late Dr Te Wharehuia Milroy for her championing of te reo Māori throughout the performing arts community.

Curated by Bridget van der Zijpp, recorded live at Ockham Collective’s The Nix in Auckland, and recorded, edited and mastered by Depot Sound in Devonport. The Live events were supported by Auckland Council and the Creative Communities Scheme.