Finding Frank

By 1965 at the age of thirty, Frank Erceg had established an impressive reputation as a marksman, mountaineer and photographer, with his work widely published in newspapers and magazines of the day. That same year, Frank and his mate Johnny Cumming were killed in New Zealand's first helicopter hunting accident, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit hunting community. Frank's story began with the migration of the Erceg family from the former Yugoslavia to New Zealand. Growing up in the small settlement of Aukopae near Taumarunui, Frank was strongly influenced by three older brothers who taught him hunting, fishing and bushcraft skills. In his early twenties, Frank headed south, first enlisting as a government shooter before becoming an independent meat hunter. The magnificent Arawhata Valley in South Westland was his hunting ground, his base, a purpose-built log cabin on the edges of the Arawhata River. Author Louise Maich has spent over two decades piecing together her uncle Frank's previously untold story through family research, letters, compelling recollections and yarns from Frank's contemporaries - the last of the great hunters of that era. Illustrated with rare images from his photographic archive, Finding Frank is a heartfelt tribute to one of New Zealand's true hunting legends.

'Finding Frank is an evocative and fascinating book outlining the life of New Zealand hunting legend, Frank Erceg. Frank has featured peripherally in many hunting books, but this is the first time his story has been told. Frank is a major part of our hunting history and outdoor heritage, something that is reinforced by the stories on every page.' - GEOFF SPEARPOINT

LOUISE MAICH'S research into writing this book about her uncle Frank Erceg has, in turn, led to her contributing numerous articles to New Zealand Outdoor Hunting magazine and the New Zealand Deer Cullers Inc. newsletter. Louise has garnered several awards and recognition for her writing and, during the process of this book, established the Frank Erceg Project Blog.Louise has previously composed songs and poems whilst exploring and reclaiming her Dalmatian heritage and history - transforming these into powerful performance art. Her ongoing passion for writinghas led to her current penning of both fiction and non-fiction works. She was born in Christchurch and currently resides with her life partner in the Auckland Waitakere ranges. This is her first book.

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