Sebastian Hales has been a secondary and tertiary teacher, writer, poet and performer. He has qualifications in languages, teaching, education administration, drama and social work. His long-term interests include protecting civil liberties, community development, gardening, and researching climate change.
Sebastian lives in a little cottage in Waikawa Beach, a small seaside community on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. His first novel, I Play the Mermaid Song (2011), was written in the form of an autobiography, and explores issues of sexual and cultural identity.
Dr Henry Farthingale was due for a break from his language studies at Camford University. His friend and mentor Sir Nicholas Spenser suggested he spent his sabbatical exploring the bird language of the tribes in the jungle at the end of the river. He was intrigued when the little steamboat arrived t...
