Interview: Kim Logan talks about KIM: A Journey Between Worlds
- NZ Booklovers
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Kim Rangiaonui Logan, (Ngati Kahungunu), mountaineer, gemmologist, viticulturist, film location manager and more, lives in the Queenstown area. He is happily married and a proud father of four, embracing life’s adventures at home and abroad. But his life has been an uphill climb. His father, a decorated commander in the 28th Māori Battalion, returned from war a damaged man, forcing Kim to find his own way forward into a life defined by courage, resilience, and discovery. After considerable thought, Kim began writing this story, a journey that returned to his whakapapa.
Tell us a little about KIM: A Journey between Worlds.
My very troubled and harrowing upbringing to eventually finding a path that led to self-discovery and acceptance through nature and mountaineering.
Kim Logan: Born duality between two worlds. Mother, European socialite, in my mother’s words, “You have the genes, now it’s up to you to excel”.
Father, Rangatira, 28th Maori Battalion Commander and academic was lost in the world of parenting.
Message: Inspirational to others and choices in what path we choose. No matter how difficult one’s life can become, there is a place of comfort and fulfilment.
What inspired you to write this book?
From the age of 14 years, I have been writing stories. In my early years, the paper became my therapist, my friend I could talk to. It wasn’t until I met Anne Ashby Neilson of ‘Life and Land Stories’ in 2020 that the seed of putting these stories together into a memoir began. My story needed to be told; it is different in so many aspects.
What research was involved?
My memoir has a lifetime of research, standing up without fear of expressing the truth.
What was your routine or process when writing this book?
Once I had all my stories together, I wanted to tell my journey through my mountain adventures, plus incorporate memorable stories from growing up.
Anne Ashby Neilson of ‘Life and Land Stories’. Putting these stories into one single document.
Editor Michelle Elvy. Positioning stories and advice in rewriting or what stories needed more work.
Tim Coddington. Friend and film producer. He loved the memoir and mentioned that his sister was a publisher, and whether he could send the memoir to her.
Deborah Coddington of ‘Ugly Hill Press (UHP)'. Read half the memoir, then phoned me asking, “Why haven’t the big publishers wanted this memoir?” My reply was that no one wanted to read it. Contract arrived from UHP.
UHP Editor Sarah Daniell reviewed all aspects of ‘KIM’ changes made.
UHP used the designer Area Design (Dave McDonald and Alan Deare) for the cover and placement of photos and stories.
If there were a soundtrack to accompany your book, what songs would you include?
‘Ceremony’ by The Dining Rooms. I played this after the book launch (The ceremony is over).
‘Homemade Ice Cream’ by Tony Joe White.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The support of family and friends in speaking out, addressing, and redressing past demons. Also, it is a memorial to so many amazing people.
How did you celebrate finishing the book?
A big breath and a little tear, now I know the meaning of a minute’s silence.
What was your favourite book you have read this year?
‘The Lost Men’ by Kelly Tyler-Lewis. A true story of courage and resilience.
What is next for you?
Two more years working for Foley Wines. More adventures into Fiordland and Mt Kailash Kora in Tibet.
Ugly Hill Press
