Brett Howes: Bringing Nature and Adventure to Local Literature

Brett Howes’ love for nature, conservation and laughter is at the heart of his writing, with his book drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s native birdlife and the incredible work of Project Kiwi Trust. The idea for the book was sparked by nights spent listening to the calls of the North Island brown kiwi. And, the 'hands on' nature of Paula Williams (Project Kiwi Trust Manager) inspired the creation of the book’s main character, a spirited kiwi named Kaula.

One of the unique aspects of Howes' book is how he has developed his characters based on the traits of native New Zealand birds and people from the Mercury Bay community. The stories are told from the birds' perspective as they observe and interact with "Humoggs" (humans). Howes has carefully built the books characters around these traits – while notably adding some poetic license into the mix. 

Howe's reflects that "The fantails, for example, are known for their quick, fluid movements. That influenced how I portrayed them in the book," Howes explains. "And yes, some characters surprised me with how they developed into the final version”. 

"I’ve developed each birds character around the personalities of people I know and overall, everyone has been happy to be matched to a bird. Some of my friends now email me using their favourite character’s name which always makes me smile”. 

Image credits: Jessica Howes (left and middle) and Blake Howes (right).

A Book for All Ages

Writing this book was no easy feat, taking Howes three years to complete. And he now has a self confessed ‘deep appreciation’ for the work of editors. "My sister, an English and History teacher, helped me edit some early versions. From there, I learned a lot about the editing process and took on most of it myself."

Howes' book is designed to be enjoyed by a broad audience. ‘Kaula the Kiwi’ is multi-layered in its storytelling, making the book not just a simple children’s book but a collection of works that can be appreciated on different levels. Some stories are purely educational, like one about photosynthesis, while others have deeper, thought-provoking themes that challenge both children and adults

"You can read it to a three-year-old and they’ll engage with it, but there are elements that would fly over their heads and resonate more with older children or even adults," he explains. "And then there are stories teenagers would grasp that adults might miss because they’re written in a language that speaks to younger readers."

A Collaborative Effort with Children and the Community

A particularly heartwarming aspect of Howes' project is how he involved children in the creative process. Partnering with Te Rerenga School Principal Mary Kedzlie, he had young readers illustrate various poems and stories without any prior guidance.

"We gave the kids some of the poems and simply asked them to draw what they saw in their minds," Howes shares. "The results were hilarious and insightful. It showed me that what we expect kids to perceive and what they actually take away from a story can be completely different."

This test-driven approach allowed Howes to refine his storytelling, ensuring that it resonated with his target audience. It also reinforced his belief that children need to be challenged and engaged in their reading materials, rather than being spoon-fed overly simplified narratives.

Image credits: Te Rerenga School Students left to right: Isabella Commer, Cieara Colmer-Pijfers,Sophia Adshead

Conservation and Local Inspiration

A strong conservation message runs throughout the book. "The planet doesn’t need us to survive—the Earth would be just as happy revolving around the Sun as a rock.  But we need to take care of it if we want nature to thrive," he states. "A lot of the stories reflect this idea."

The book also highlights real locations that locals will recognize. "Even though the characters are fictional, every place they visit is real," Howes explains. "People from my community have read it and said, ‘I’ve been there! I’ve done that!’ It makes it a special experience for them and me."

Image credits: Emma Gustafson 

A Story of Real People and Real Experiences

While the book is fictional, many elements within it stem from real-life experiences. "I’ve developed each birds character very loosely around the personalities of people I know" Howes shares. 

One of the most touching stories in the book is inspired by a real-life formerly East German couple who moved to New Zealand after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

"They saw a travel brochure of Cook’s Beach in German and decided that was the place they wanted to restart their lives," Howes recounts. "They arrived without knowing English and had to learn everything from scratch."

Their story, along with countless other experiences Howes has personally encountered, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the book.

The Art of Storytelling and the Role of Humour

One of the deliberate and unmissable elements of Howes' book is its humour. He has carefully blended wit with deep thought, crafting stories that range from the light-hearted to the profound.

‘I used the characters to view the human world from their bird perspective and at the same time blended them with human traits. It was a lot of fun and led to many ningnonging moments. Apparently, ningnonging isn’t a real word but try imagining the pandemonium of 20 juvenile NZ native birds together in a class. Not pretty. Ningnonging seems politer plus the fine print on my poetic license says this is permitted”

A personal story that stands out for Howes involves a kea, a notoriously mischievous bird, applying for a ‘people pooping license’ (PPL).

"It’s a playful take on bureaucracy, showing the ridiculousness of red tape through the lens of a bird’s experience with humans," Howes says. "It’s based on true events and blends social commentary with humour."

And, of course the poem of the local vet and her 'gas-ejectomy kit' is a definite favourite with readers.

Image credits: left Emma Gustafson and right Blake Howes

Collaboration with local illustrators 

The talented illustrators that contributed to the book include Howes adult children Blake and Jessica, Emma Gustafson and pupils from Te Rerenga School. Each has brought their own style to poems in the book and succeeded in bringing the multitude of characters to life.

"The illustrations are just delightful," Howes says. "Actually, when I first approached artist Emma Gustafson to participate in the book she was hesitant at first, as she usually does more realistic art, but she ended up loving the challenge and her work is astounding."

A Book That Gives Back 

Howes' book is more than just a collection of stories—it’s also a way to give back to the community. Howes has used sales of the book as a way to raise funds for local causes such as Project Mammogram. 

Conclusion: A Storytelling Legacy

Brett Howes has created a book that is more than just entertainment—it is an educational, humorous, and heartfelt journey through nature, community, and storytelling. His ability to weave real-life experiences into fiction makes for an engaging fun read that resonates with readers of all ages. Whether it’s the conservation messages, the local landmarks, or the humour, there is something in this book for everyone.

Looking ahead, Howes has plans for more books.

"I’m currently working on another story featuring these characters, but without poetry. I’m also developing small six-page books focused on individual children’s poems. The first one is already in the pipeline."

By blending storytelling with environmental awareness, Brett Howes has created a book that resonates with a wide audience. His deep appreciation for wildlife and conservation shines through, making his work not just an entertaining read but also an inspiring tribute to New Zealand’s rich biodiversity.

Image credits: Blake Howes

Where to Purchase copies 

Copies of 'Kaula the Kiwi' can be purchased for $69 and are currently available at Mercury Bay Optometrist (28 Lee Street, Whitianga)

About Author Brett Howes

Brett grew up diving and fishing around the Mercury Islands and became a PADI Dive Instructor. He resides in Opito Bay, just down the road from Te Rerenga, Waitaia and Kuaotunu which are all featured in the book. His children feature in his stories and illustrations.

Laughter, comedy and writing music are part of Brett’s everyday life. Many of these poems are based on personal experiences. And, some of Brett’s songs were recorded locally at Diana and Toby Morcom’s house in Hahei. They include 'Lovelight' and 'My Angel' (performed by L A Thompson) and Lovelight Requiem (performed by Kevin Crowe) and can be viewed on YouTube. 

The way he lives and writes is a testament to his belief that humans do not own this amazing planet but are just another lifeform tasked with taking care of it. Brett’s deep thinking makes you ponder what is truly important in friendship, love, and life.

Brett Howes has a passion for the natural world that helped him gain a Bachelor of Science and Post Graduate Diploma of Science in Zoology at the University of Otago along with a Post Graduate thesis in avian perception. He also has a Bachelor of Optometry from Auckland University and owned an Optometry practice in Whitianga, New Zealand. 

About Project Kiwi 

Brett’s connection to Project Kiwi runs deep. He and partner Amy Hyde were actively involved in hands-on conservation efforts. From recording bird calls, setting and monitoring traps to relocating kiwi eggs and hatchlings, they have experienced the challenges and rewards of kiwi conservation firsthand. 

View more information about Project Kiwi Trust.