Read Conrad Cooper's Last Stand ePub Online
Authors: Leonie Agnew
Conrad Cooper's Last Stand ePub (15 page)
Silence. Mum isn't reading. I open my eyes just a crack. She's not looking at me or the book; her eyes are glued on the wall and her thumb's slipped back into her mouth. She's got that look, the one where she's making up her mind.
âConrad â¦'
âYeah?'
âYou know, we could always stay with your nana, just for a few days. She'd drive us both crazy, but ⦠I could use a little time to think.'
âOh.'
âI'm not promising anything, but ⦠What do you think?'
We both stare at each other and just when I reckon there's nothing that can explain how I'm feeling or what I want, a thought pops into my head. I said no to Gaz, but for Mum I need a different word. I open up my cracked lips and say, âYes.'
âOkay ⦠Okay.'
It's hard to see her face 'cause of all the shadows, but behind her I see light glowing through the blinds. It must be morning and I can't look away; I'm sick of the darkness.
See that light, Tane? A new day is starting.
The Bastion Point occupation lasted 506 days. It ended on 25 May 1978, after a large taskforce of police and army personnel evicted the protestors. Two hundred and twenty-two people were arrested and their buildings, gardens and meeting house were demolished.
Ten years later, New Zealand acknowledged this as an injustice. In 1988 the government returned Bastion Point to local iwi, Ngati Whatua. Today the iwi allow free access to the point so that all New Zealanders can enjoy the views and coastal splendour of Orakei.
By 1990, over ninety per cent of North Island pohutukawa had been destroyed. Conservationists such as members of Project Crimson have worked to increase awareness of this, which has led to a drive for replanting and the protection of pohutukawa in certain areas. Their work continues today.
I would like to acknowledge my gratitude for the award of the 2013 University of Otago College of Education/Creative New Zealand Children's Writer in Residence. This time enabled me to complete my novel in the comfort of an office, while staying at the lovely Robert Lord Cottage. Dunedin has seeped into my bones, and perhaps my books. I'm also grateful to my university colleagues, particularly for the kindness shown by Trish Brooking and Ros Hunt. Lastly, a special nod to Ros's book club â novels and cake, who could ask for more?
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Published by Puffin Books, 2014
Text copyright © Leonie Agnew, 2014
Illustrations copyright © Penguin Group (NZ), 2014
The right of Leonie Agnew to be identified as the author of this work in terms of section 96 of the Copyright Act 1994 is hereby asserted.
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-743-48611-5
