In 1996, Tony Hopkins and Moira Wairama founded the Baggage Co-op to share theatre and storytelling. When publishers closed, they launched Baggage Books to keep New Zealand stories alive. Their latest release, Black Butterfly, is Tony’s first memoir – a vibrant mix of memories, poems, and stories tracing his journey from Washington, DC, to Wellington, published to celebrate his 80th birthday.
In 1996 Black Cherokee actor Tony Hopkins and writer and storyteller Moira Wairama, set up the Baggage Co-op as a vehicle to produce and tour their theatre and storytelling shows. Moira who was writing for children in both English and Māori and had several award winning books published by Scholastic and Penguin, also began to write for theater and radio.
When many iconic New Zealand publishers began closing Moira found her best option to keep writing New Zealand stories was to self-publish. As an extension of the Baggage Co-op she and Tony started Baggage Books. Black Butterfly, a memoir, is Tony’s first book and their fifth self-publication.
When many iconic New Zealand publishers began closing Moira found her best option to keep writing New Zealand stories was to self-publish.
Unlike their 2024 award winning children’s picture book, Nani Jo me ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga, Baggage Books recent publication Black Butterfly, a memoir is definitely for the adult reader.
Written by Baggage Books co-founder, Black Cherokee actor, storyteller and performance poet Tony Hopkins, the book combines memories, stories and poems, many of which are from Tony’s past shows. From his birth in Washington, DC, to his travels across the states, through Europe and eventually to Wellington, New Zealand. Hopkins describes his first book as a taste of his life, rather than the full feast. He was thrilled that the launch of his memoir coincided with his 80th birthday celebrations.
See the full range of books and resources at baggagebooks.co.nz
Black Butterfly
In his book Black Butterfly, a memoir, Tony Hopkins, Black Cherokee actor, storyteller and poet, has interwoven personal stories and poems to create a fascinating account of his 80 years of life.
Black Butterfly, a memoir will delight, inform and possibly challenge readers as they share his extraordinary journey.
Born in Washington D.C. in October 1945, he was the eldest of Ervin and Mary Hopkins’ six children. As a young man he joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Texas, then moved back to DC to work as a postal worker, before travelling across the states to San Francisco. Here he became a street hustler, then worked as a tram, bus and taxi driver, until deciding to leave the United States to travel and see the world. While living in Holland he began his acting career, which he continued when he moved to New Zealand, where he also became a storyteller.
ISBN 978-0-473-75950-6
Paperback | 80 pages
148 x 210mm
RRP $25
Nanny Jo and the Wild Mokopuna
The wild mokopuna loved their Nanny Jo. She took them to the park, to the river, to the bush. But when Nanny Jo became sick, the wild mokopuna gathered around her to hear the story of the great fisherman Taramainuku and Te Waka o Rangi. A touching story that celebrates grandmothers, while also highlighting the significance of Matariki as a time to farewell the spirits and celebrate the Maori New Year.
Ko te pukapuka toa mo te Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for Te Reo Maori – The NZ Book Awards For Children and Young Adults 2024.
ISBN 9780473671792 (English)
ISBN 9780473671808 (Te Reo Maori)
Paperback • 32 pages
240 x 260mm
RRP $25
The Mother’s Child
Sometimes when mothers are sad they need to tend to their own creative child. A unique and sophisicated picture book written especially for mothers and maybe to share with their children.
ISBN 9780473326593
Paperback
RRP $25
Arapū Toi
Arapū Toi is a children’s picture book in te reo Māori jointly published by Baggage Books and BasicallyDifferent Ltd and is sold with an accompanying frieze.
The beautiful artwork is by Kapiti coast artist Austin Whincup with poems by Wellington storyteller and writer Moira Wairama.
ISBN 9780473475482
Paperback + frieze
RRP $30
For more information and book orders visit baggagebooks.co.nz