Grant Robertson, the Rock Star of Queenstown
Steve Braunias reports on the seventh annual Queenstown Writers Festival held in a unique, dry, and oddly charming business park precinct. This year's event was the largest and most spectacular to date, culminating in a joyous finale on Sunday afternoon with an appearance by New Zealand politics' unlikely rock star, Grant Robertson.
Robertson’s session was sold out. Volunteers tirelessly scoured the venue to uncover more seats, filling every available space. He spoke about his political memoir, Anything Could Happen, which fans eagerly purchased until all copies were sold out, prompting a rapid restock from the airport bookstore. Robertson signed so many copies that the pen ran out of ink.
His strong appeal is notable in an electorate as blue as Lake Wakatipu. In contrast, the current National MP Joseph Mooney skipped the opening gala Friday night. Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith and local Act Party member Todd Stephenson, present last year, were absent this year.
The only political figure in attendance was newly elected Queenstown Mayor John Glover, who delivered a brief but impressive speech, citing Wordsworth and Ted Hughes.
“No other mayor in the country has even heard of him.”
Author’s summary: Grant Robertson’s unexpected popularity at the Queenstown Writers Festival highlights his significant appeal beyond politics, contrasting with low attendance from other political figures.