Where The River Runs - A Journey from Summit to Sea

By Daniel Kelly

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NZ $5,297 pledged


106 people pledged


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This campaign was successful and closed on 02/08/2020 at 1:00 PM.

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About

Where The River Runs - A Journey From Summit To Sea

Project 2020-06-26 10:17:32 +1200

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who's pledged so far! We're stoked to be over our minimum target but just want to reiterate that we're using PledgeMe to figure out how many copies to print – so will be leaving the pre-orders here open until August 2 - remember to select the format & postage combo you're after on the right :)

/////////

In the calm days of 2017, a group of young(ish) NZers set out to follow the length of the Waikato river – starting on foot, tramping to the summit of Ruapehu then kayaking around Taupō and down all the way to Port Waikato – a month-long journey of more than 400 kilometres. Inspired first by their adventuring outside of New Zealand, 'Where The River Runs' is the record of this more local journey and all the learning that comes with connecting to the place we call home.

Combining photography, research, and lived experience, the book charts a path through the complicated layers that make up modern New Zealand, from colonial invasion to the building of dams, contemporary efforts to restore river health and the tentative emergence of Pākehā culture, posing the question, 'What does it mean to live well in this place?'

The project has evolved a lot since we finished the journey in March 2017, but is now finished, laid out and ready to go! However, in order to get it over the line, we need your help to raise the printing costs: a form of pre-purchase that will be rewarded with a physical copy when we hit our goal.

Sample pages:

Cover page

Admin / more details:

The money raised will be used to cover the costs of publication, as well as helping us to organise a small launch and exhibition where we hope to have additional copies of the book for sale as well as a number to gift to all the people who helped us along the way. We've deliberately set the minimum target as low as possible to ensure that we get over the line, but the pre-pay structure we're using means that the sky is the limit – so don't be afraid to share with any friends you think might like the yarn! Any remaining profits will be donated to Million Meters, a local charity working to help river restoration groups achieve their goals. 

We anticipate printing and postage to take approximately two weeks from the end of this fundraiser, so you can expect your copies by mid-August. As we see it, this is a low risk project – the book is 100% finished, we have printing quotes and a launch planned – but we've chosen to self-publish for the independence, diversity and community it allows, and because a big part of our approach with the whole mission was to "walk the talk" ourselves, collectively. No person stands alone, and – as the book makes clear – there is huge strength in organising and collaborating. In the words of John, just one of many strangers who came to help when we needed it: "That's what it's all about – community spirit!"

If you have any questions, you can hit us up on our social media, otherwise we just want to thank everyone who's helped us get this far – and thanks to you for your support, and the role that it plays in getting this project up and out into the world. May there be plenty more adventures to come! x

Credits:

Design and map by Nick Blazey

Words by Dan Kelly

Photographs (and mission!) by Benn Hanns, Nick Blazey, Trent Hicks, Dan Kelly, Shannon Weaver, Sophie Blazey and Mat Piaggi.

Short film (to be shown at the launch!) by Sophie Blazey 

Comments

Updates 5

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Covid delays to book launch

26/08/2020 at 8:22 AM

Hi everyone, 

Just a heads up to let you know that we've been forced to postpone our Auckland launch because of Covid-19 restrictions, so are holding on until we are allowed to gather in numbers again! We'll post updates then via both this channel and facebook.

However, we have successfully printed the books, so your copies won't be far off once the restrictions ease. In the meantime, here's a little teaser courtesy of Hamilton News: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hamilton-news/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503366&objectid=12357474&fbclid=IwAR1Y_0HxM1xRo1jkQkP00D9oYRdhgfnUFh1o8Al1z9y_pd0F-HQJkEv3VKs

Finally, if you know someone who wants a copy but who didn't pledge in time, we've got a few extra, so send us an email at [email protected] and we'll take it from there :)

 

Cheers,

Dan x

Thanks for supporting our pre-sales!

09/08/2020 at 4:31 PM

Hi everyone, just a quick message to say a massive thank you to everyone who pledged and to let you all know that we have sent the final proofs off the printer and are all on track to have physical copies ready to send / pick up by August 19! We'll be in touch again closer to that date to confirm peoples' postal addresses too :)

In the meantime, we'd like to invite everyone to our Auckland launch at Strange Haven on August 19 – https://www.facebook.com/events/577983029565185/?notif_t=plan_user_associated&notif_id=1596756946729686 – we'll have drinks courtesy of Garage Project and Master of Ceremonies, Sophie will be playing her short film on our trip, and Benn will have a little photo zine documenting his take on the journey as well as copies of Where the River Runs for people to pick up (if you selected that option and can make it) or buy (if you missed the pre-sales). If anyone has any questions, hit us up; otherwise we'll hope to see you there!

 

Thanks again,

Dan x 

    Pledgers 106

    Andrew Underwood
    23/07/2020 at 5:10am

    "river runs deep"

    Liz Corin
    22/07/2020 at 8:18pm
    Jeremy
    22/07/2020 at 11:00am
    Gabi Lardies
    22/07/2020 at 10:59am
    Natasha Colbourne
    20/07/2020 at 9:48pm

    "Cant wait to read this after such a beautiful recommendation from your Aunt Suze Kelly ❤"

    Craig Marshall
    20/07/2020 at 3:01pm
    conor greive
    20/07/2020 at 11:27am
    Scott Sinton
    20/07/2020 at 11:18am

    "Epic mahi legends! Scotty"

    Georgia Chunn
    20/07/2020 at 11:10am

    "Really looking forward to reading this Dan! "

    Trace Tidd
    19/07/2020 at 7:47am
    Mo Ete
    18/07/2020 at 4:09pm

    "Mauri ora!"

    María Martín
    17/07/2020 at 10:10pm

    "I hope that your wonderful adventure is read in all corners of the planet."

    STEPHANIE BOWLER
    17/07/2020 at 8:32pm
    Lauren Cocks
    17/07/2020 at 2:56pm
    Henry Christian-Slane
    16/07/2020 at 9:55pm
    Sara Gordon
    16/07/2020 at 9:16pm
    Tim Manktelow
    16/07/2020 at 11:38am
    Marty McCullough
    15/07/2020 at 8:58pm
    Lorraine Hicks
    15/07/2020 at 4:44pm
    Anonymous pledger
    15/07/2020 at 1:01pm
    Honor Kelly
    15/07/2020 at 10:09am
    Suze Kelly
    15/07/2020 at 9:12am

    "Awesome Dan, well done! Can't wait to see the book and read the story. "

    Hannah Cleverley
    15/07/2020 at 8:48am
    Jane Hewitt-Smith
    15/07/2020 at 8:07am
    Susanne West
    15/07/2020 at 7:55am

    "Looking forward to reading your adventure. S"

    Rachelle Frame
    14/07/2020 at 9:37pm

    "Congrats!...We were super pleased to catch you in Hamilton and loved the stories shared of this amazing journey ✌ Rachelle & Paul"

    Greg Hicks
    14/07/2020 at 9:20pm

    "Well done everyone "

    Philippa Kowalczyk
    14/07/2020 at 4:51pm
    Aaron McLean
    14/07/2020 at 4:31pm
    Kahu Harrison
    13/07/2020 at 11:07pm

    Followers

    Followers of Where The River Runs - A Journey from Summit to Sea

    Where The River Runs - A Journey From Summit To Sea

    Project 2020-06-26 10:17:32 +1200

    UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who's pledged so far! We're stoked to be over our minimum target but just want to reiterate that we're using PledgeMe to figure out how many copies to print – so will be leaving the pre-orders here open until August 2 - remember to select the format & postage combo you're after on the right :)

    /////////

    In the calm days of 2017, a group of young(ish) NZers set out to follow the length of the Waikato river – starting on foot, tramping to the summit of Ruapehu then kayaking around Taupō and down all the way to Port Waikato – a month-long journey of more than 400 kilometres. Inspired first by their adventuring outside of New Zealand, 'Where The River Runs' is the record of this more local journey and all the learning that comes with connecting to the place we call home.

    Combining photography, research, and lived experience, the book charts a path through the complicated layers that make up modern New Zealand, from colonial invasion to the building of dams, contemporary efforts to restore river health and the tentative emergence of Pākehā culture, posing the question, 'What does it mean to live well in this place?'

    The project has evolved a lot since we finished the journey in March 2017, but is now finished, laid out and ready to go! However, in order to get it over the line, we need your help to raise the printing costs: a form of pre-purchase that will be rewarded with a physical copy when we hit our goal.

    Sample pages:

    Cover page

    Admin / more details:

    The money raised will be used to cover the costs of publication, as well as helping us to organise a small launch and exhibition where we hope to have additional copies of the book for sale as well as a number to gift to all the people who helped us along the way. We've deliberately set the minimum target as low as possible to ensure that we get over the line, but the pre-pay structure we're using means that the sky is the limit – so don't be afraid to share with any friends you think might like the yarn! Any remaining profits will be donated to Million Meters, a local charity working to help river restoration groups achieve their goals. 

    We anticipate printing and postage to take approximately two weeks from the end of this fundraiser, so you can expect your copies by mid-August. As we see it, this is a low risk project – the book is 100% finished, we have printing quotes and a launch planned – but we've chosen to self-publish for the independence, diversity and community it allows, and because a big part of our approach with the whole mission was to "walk the talk" ourselves, collectively. No person stands alone, and – as the book makes clear – there is huge strength in organising and collaborating. In the words of John, just one of many strangers who came to help when we needed it: "That's what it's all about – community spirit!"

    If you have any questions, you can hit us up on our social media, otherwise we just want to thank everyone who's helped us get this far – and thanks to you for your support, and the role that it plays in getting this project up and out into the world. May there be plenty more adventures to come! x

    Credits:

    Design and map by Nick Blazey

    Words by Dan Kelly

    Photographs (and mission!) by Benn Hanns, Nick Blazey, Trent Hicks, Dan Kelly, Shannon Weaver, Sophie Blazey and Mat Piaggi.

    Short film (to be shown at the launch!) by Sophie Blazey 

    Comments

    You need to pledge to see this update.

    You need to pledge to see this update.

    You need to pledge to see this update.

    Covid delays to book launch

    26/08/2020 at 8:22 AM

    Hi everyone, 

    Just a heads up to let you know that we've been forced to postpone our Auckland launch because of Covid-19 restrictions, so are holding on until we are allowed to gather in numbers again! We'll post updates then via both this channel and facebook.

    However, we have successfully printed the books, so your copies won't be far off once the restrictions ease. In the meantime, here's a little teaser courtesy of Hamilton News: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hamilton-news/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503366&objectid=12357474&fbclid=IwAR1Y_0HxM1xRo1jkQkP00D9oYRdhgfnUFh1o8Al1z9y_pd0F-HQJkEv3VKs

    Finally, if you know someone who wants a copy but who didn't pledge in time, we've got a few extra, so send us an email at [email protected] and we'll take it from there :)

     

    Cheers,

    Dan x

    Thanks for supporting our pre-sales!

    09/08/2020 at 4:31 PM

    Hi everyone, just a quick message to say a massive thank you to everyone who pledged and to let you all know that we have sent the final proofs off the printer and are all on track to have physical copies ready to send / pick up by August 19! We'll be in touch again closer to that date to confirm peoples' postal addresses too :)

    In the meantime, we'd like to invite everyone to our Auckland launch at Strange Haven on August 19 – https://www.facebook.com/events/577983029565185/?notif_t=plan_user_associated&notif_id=1596756946729686 – we'll have drinks courtesy of Garage Project and Master of Ceremonies, Sophie will be playing her short film on our trip, and Benn will have a little photo zine documenting his take on the journey as well as copies of Where the River Runs for people to pick up (if you selected that option and can make it) or buy (if you missed the pre-sales). If anyone has any questions, hit us up; otherwise we'll hope to see you there!

     

    Thanks again,

    Dan x 

      Andrew Underwood
      23/07/2020 at 5:10am

      "river runs deep"

      Liz Corin
      22/07/2020 at 8:18pm
      Jeremy
      22/07/2020 at 11:00am
      Gabi Lardies
      22/07/2020 at 10:59am
      Natasha Colbourne
      20/07/2020 at 9:48pm

      "Cant wait to read this after such a beautiful recommendation from your Aunt Suze Kelly ❤"

      Craig Marshall
      20/07/2020 at 3:01pm
      conor greive
      20/07/2020 at 11:27am
      Scott Sinton
      20/07/2020 at 11:18am

      "Epic mahi legends! Scotty"

      Georgia Chunn
      20/07/2020 at 11:10am

      "Really looking forward to reading this Dan! "

      Trace Tidd
      19/07/2020 at 7:47am
      Mo Ete
      18/07/2020 at 4:09pm

      "Mauri ora!"

      María Martín
      17/07/2020 at 10:10pm

      "I hope that your wonderful adventure is read in all corners of the planet."

      STEPHANIE BOWLER
      17/07/2020 at 8:32pm
      Lauren Cocks
      17/07/2020 at 2:56pm
      Henry Christian-Slane
      16/07/2020 at 9:55pm
      Sara Gordon
      16/07/2020 at 9:16pm
      Tim Manktelow
      16/07/2020 at 11:38am
      Marty McCullough
      15/07/2020 at 8:58pm
      Lorraine Hicks
      15/07/2020 at 4:44pm
      Anonymous pledger
      15/07/2020 at 1:01pm
      Honor Kelly
      15/07/2020 at 10:09am
      Suze Kelly
      15/07/2020 at 9:12am

      "Awesome Dan, well done! Can't wait to see the book and read the story. "

      Hannah Cleverley
      15/07/2020 at 8:48am
      Jane Hewitt-Smith
      15/07/2020 at 8:07am
      Susanne West
      15/07/2020 at 7:55am

      "Looking forward to reading your adventure. S"

      Rachelle Frame
      14/07/2020 at 9:37pm

      "Congrats!...We were super pleased to catch you in Hamilton and loved the stories shared of this amazing journey ✌ Rachelle & Paul"

      Greg Hicks
      14/07/2020 at 9:20pm

      "Well done everyone "

      Philippa Kowalczyk
      14/07/2020 at 4:51pm
      Aaron McLean
      14/07/2020 at 4:31pm
      Kahu Harrison
      13/07/2020 at 11:07pm

      Followers of Where The River Runs - A Journey from Summit to Sea

      This campaign was successful and got its funding on 02/08/2020 at 1:00 PM.