Bee Dawson is an author, columnist and social historian who enjoys writing about people, places and gardens. She has now authored 21 books, including Otari: Two hundred years of Otari-Wilton’s Bush and A History of Gardening in New Zealand and writes for New Zealand Gardener. Bee and her husband, Sandy, live and garden on a windswept hill above Wellington Harbour. Bee talks to NZ Booklovers.
What inspired you to write this book?
As a chronicler of other people’s family, farm and social histories, it was probably inevitable that I should eventually dust off the folders and albums in my study and tell the story of how my parents, farmer and agricultural journalist Roland Clark (‘Nor’wester’) and his devoted wife Betty, came to New Zealand from Northern Ireland to farm some 66 years ago.
I also wanted to tell a wider story. This book is an account of rural New Zealand in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, a heartland and social history which celebrates life in mid Canterbury, and especially Staveley.
What research was involved?
I rediscovered family stories and anecdotes, transcripts of family interviews, extracts from a book manuscript, scripts for radio broadcasts and two Country Calendar television programmes. Most importantly, my father had kept important letters and many, many articles – about 2000 in all. They took me a while to sort through!The rest of our extended family has always been overseas (in Ireland or Australia) so I had the bonus of many photos taken to help our family keep in touch.
What was your routine or process when writing this book?
As a long-time freelance writer, I write most days, starting after breakfast and continuing in fits and starts depending on my other commitments. Writing is easier some days than others, but there’s always something that can be achieved.
If a soundtrack were made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.
'Danny Boy’ – that was a great favourite of my father’s. Also ‘When Irish Eyes are Smiling’.My Australian grandfather was a great fan of Banjo Paterson, so ‘The Man From Snowy River’ would be suitable.
What did you enjoy the most about writing Where the Nor’wester Blows.
I’ve often felt that my father and I were writing this ‘memoir’ together. Roland’s enthusiasm for almost everything, combined with his love of writing uplifting stories about people, has been inspirational at every point. It’s also been good to get to know my parents and to explore their lives from an adult perspective.
What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?
It’s hard to define the moment a book is finished – there’s so much editing and tweaking along the way.I don’t think any book is ever complete until it’s published and people are reading it. So, I’m greatly looking forward to celebrating when it’s launched later this month!
What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?
Agatha Christie, a very elusive woman. By Lucy Worsley. It’s a marvellous combination of biography, social history and mystery, all set in a seemingly more glamorous era. Irresistible!
What’s next on the agenda for you?
I am currently working on a book commission, the history of Wellington’s Worser Bay Boating Club. This is to be published to celebrate the club’s centenary in February 2026.