The logo for the 2009 convention was designed by Christchurch Bookcrosser FutureCat, inspired by the famous sketch of the Southern Alps seen from the sea, made by Abel Tasman on his first sighting of New Zealand:
While Christchurch is almost completely flat, having been built on the Canterbury Plains, the magnificent Southern Alps are visible from many places in the city as a line of mountains on the distant horizon. FutureCat explains "While most Christchurch residents probably don't even notice the mountains, I think at a deeper level we're all very aware of their presence. The mountains are where we go to have fun, to relax, to get back to nature, and they give us a sense of direction - I know I always get horribly lost when I'm in the North Island and can't see them! And for many people, there's a deep spirituality attached to the mountains. But most of all, when I think of New Zealand, I think of mountains. That's what really inspired the logo."
Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand, and translates as "Land of the Long White Cloud", referring to the long bank of clouds on the horizon which is the first sign of land to a seafarer. In 2009, Bookcrossers from around the world will be turning the Land of the Long White Cloud into the Land of the Long Running Book, setting thousands of books free across the city and the country in a celebration of Bookcrossing.
A larger version of the logo can be downloaded here for use on promotional material for the convention.
If you are creating labels, an abbreviated version of the logo in a square format is available here.
