John Key

The Prime Minister John Key today launched a unique book containing stories and poems written by 50 children from across New Zealand.

Supported by New Zealand Post, 'Leprechaun Ice Cream' contains the work of young authors selected from more than 7,000 entries written by Year 1 to 8 students.

Children from around the country competed in the 'Share Your Writing Magic' competition held as part of the New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards earlier this year.

The unusual title is taken from one of the published stories, written by 9-year-old Kiara-Jade West of Sancta Maria Catholic Primary School, Auckland.

Mr Key launched the book at the Three Kings Primary school in Auckland, meeting Kiara-Jade and fellow published author, 10-year-old Thea Dickson, a student of Three Kings.

The Prime Minister along with New Zealand Post Chairman Jim Bolger presented the pair with $50 Booksellers tokens and copies of 'Leprechaun Ice Cream'. Mr Bolger said the quality and creativity expressed in the children's work is impressive.

"These stories range from happy to sad, from real life experiences to make-believe. They show our children have tremendous talent and imagination.

"This is a great initiative to help Kiwi kids share their creativity with other young New Zealanders," Mr Bolger said. The Prime Minister read out Kiara-Jade's contribution - a magical recipe for Leprechaun ice-cream, and the poem 'Night' penned by Thea. Copies of 'Leprechaun Ice Cream' are available exclusively through New Zealand Post's network of PostShop stores.