Leading Lady: A life in the spotlight

Discover the remarkable journey of Eve Poole in 'Leading Lady: A Life in the Spotlight' by Vivienne Allan. This inspiring biography chronicles the life of one of New Zealand's pioneering female leaders, who became Invercargill's first woman mayor in 1983. With a deep-seated passion for the arts and theatre, Eve Poole not only influenced politics but also significantly enriched the cultural landscape of New Zealand. Her contributions as a member of the QEII Arts Council and her involvement in the arts scene illustrate her commitment to promoting creativity across the nation. This engaging paperback features 448 pages that delve into Eve's remarkable transformation from a young girl escaping Germany in the 1930s to a formidable political figure admired for her resilience and leadership during the 1984 floods. Join Vivienne Allan as she shares the heartfelt narrative of her mother's life, encompassing themes of courage, artistry, and community service. With its detailed insights and rich storytelling, 'Leading Lady' is a must-read for anyone interested in New Zealand history, women's contributions to society, and the interplay between art and politics. Perfectly bound in dimensions of 152 x 228 mm, this book will inspire readers through the lens of a true trailblazer who stood at the forefront of change in her beloved country. Grab your copy now and celebrate the legacy of a leading lady who made her mark in the spotlight!

Author: Vivienne Allan Publisher: Quentin Wilson Publishing
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 152 x 228 mm
Pages: 448
Publication Date: 15-07-2020

Articulate and intelligent, Eve Poole had a passion for the theatre and the arts. Her desire to protect one of Invercargill’s cultural icons led her into politics and she was elected as the city’s first woman mayor in 1983. Cath Tizard broke similar ground in Auckland that year - the two becoming trailblazers at each end of the country. As a member of the QEII Arts Council (later Creative New Zealand), Eve played an active role in encouraging the visual and performing arts across the country. She was equally at home on the stage as an actor and director; on hugely popular national TV shows such as Beauty and the Beast, and as a member of the NZ Committee on Women, an early forerunner of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, during the UN Decade for Women. She gained national prominence for her leadership when the 1984 floods ravaged her adopted city and the surrounding region. Vivienne Allan tells the story of her mother’s life with warmth and honesty, beginning with the struggle to find passage out of Germany in the 1930s. When war broke out Eve, still only 17 and living with her family in Tel Aviv, joined the British Army, serving as a driver in Egypt. There she met the New Zealander who was to become her husband and, after discharge, moved to Invercargill to raise their family with him. Eve’s practicality, determination and humanity saw her retain the mayoralty for four terms until her untimely death in 1992.