Author Excluded from Christmas Book List Sparks Controversy

A recent oversight in a regional New Zealand newspaper list has raised questions about the integrity of information regarding local authors. The list, which featured ten books described as “gifts that last a lifetime,” included a title credited to authors Tania Roxborogh and Tracy Duncan. The issue? Roxborogh had no involvement in the book, which, according to her, does not even exist.

The problematic list was published by various New Zealand media outlets and originated from the World Literacy Foundation. Roxborogh, a well-known author and secondary school teacher, expressed her disbelief, stating, “I think AI is hallucinating.” The inclusion of the fictitious title, Te Rā Kirihimete o Hemi/Hemi’s Christmas Day, has sparked concern about the lack of verification by the media before publication.

Media Accountability and Author Recognition

Roxborogh noted that while some entries on the list, such as Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd, are indeed real, the presence of a non-existent book highlights a missed opportunity for genuine authors and illustrators in a country where they often struggle for recognition. “It was a lost opportunity for real authors and illustrators to get recognition in a country that ignores us,” she added.

Former journalism lecturer Jim Tully also attempted to investigate the situation. He conducted a Google search for the best New Zealand Christmas books and found the same mystery title listed among the results. Tully emphasized the importance of independent verification in journalism but acknowledged that some information must be accepted in good faith.

The Rotorua Daily Post, part of the NZME group that published the list, has since confirmed the inaccuracies. In a statement, NZME acknowledged that the list from the World Literacy Foundation contained “several inaccuracies.” The organization has reached out to the Foundation, which has apologized and is reviewing its internal processes. NZME expressed regret to both readers and the authors impacted by this error.

Alternative Recommendations from Roxborogh

For those seeking authentic reading material, Roxborogh recommends her own work, Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea, which won the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year award in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults in 2021. This book stands as a testament to the talent present in New Zealand’s literary scene, contrasting sharply with the fictitious title that prompted this controversy.

As the publishing and media landscapes continue to evolve, the incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for diligence in reporting, especially when it concerns the recognition of authors and their contributions to literature.