Kings of Hāwera

Published: Aug. 30, 2011, 5:01 a.m.

Author Ronald Hugh Morrieson famously once commented that he hoped he wouldn't be discovered after his death - but, sadly, that was exactly what happened. Never popular in his home town of Hāwera - which was recognisably skewered in his novels - Morrieson gained a strong following after his death in 1972. Hāwera is also home to Kevin Wasley, a dedicated Elvis Presley fan who runs a museum celebrating 'The King' - and sometimes dresses as his hero.