Creative NZ gives fellowship to Takaka writer

A $100,000 Creative New Zealand fellowship, named for New Zealand historian Michael King, has been awarded to Takaka writer Philip Simpson.

Simpson will use the money to research and write a natural and cultural history of the New Zealand totara tree.

He was a Montana award-winning writer who had written two books on New Zealand's natural and cultural history, Creative New Zealand chief executive Stephen Wainwright said.

Simpson said the grant would change his life.

"It's a marvellous gift -- two uninterrupted years to immerse myself in the mysteries of totara."

The Creative New Zealand Michael King Writers' Fellowship is New Zealand's largest writing fellowship and supports established writers to work on a major project over two or more years.

Simpson was the seventh recipient since its inauguration in 2003.

Previous recipients of the fellowship include Vincent O'Sullivan, CK Stead and Dame Fiona Kidman.

- NZPA