Stella Nova

Stella Nova is one of New Zealand's largest science fiction fandom associations. Originally known as the Science Fiction Modellers' Club of New Zealand, it is based in Auckland, the country's largest city, where it is the largest sf fan club, catering for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and related activities such as role-playing gaming. As of August 2008, the club had about 30 members.

While currently more quiescent, the club's activities have previously included model-making, producing fan videos, and publishing a fanzine.

Members of Stella Nova have been run several New Zealand National Science Fiction Conventions, including OdysseyCon in 2001, EmotiCon in 2003, ConTour in 2004, Conclave in 2006, and ConScription in 2009. (New Zealand National Science Fiction Conventions are held each year, frequently alternating between Auckland and Wellington.)

Notable members

Philippa Boyens, Norman Cates, Mary MacLachlan, and Wayne Taz Stables are ex-members who have been active in the club's model-making or fan video production, and have since progressed to fantasy film production on feature films such as The Lord of the Rings (film series).

Steve New

Steve New (16 May 1960 – 24 May 2010) was an English guitarist and singer, known for his/her work with a number of punk and new wave bands in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including Rich Kids with the former Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock. Born Stephen Charles New, in the 2000s he changed his name to Stella Nova and formed Beastellabeast, his last music group.

Biography

Born in London, he attended Quintin Kynaston School in St. John's Wood, London, and started playing with the London Jazz Orchestra at the age of 14. He came to attention with his connections with the city's punk scene at the age of 15 after being asked to audition for Sex Pistols as a second guitarist alongside Steve Jones When Pistols' bass player Glen Matlock was ousted from the band, he invited New to join his new group Rich Kids alongside Rusty Egan and former Slik singer Midge Ure. He later played with Sid Vicious, Public Image Ltd, Iggy Pop, Chrissie Hynde, Kim Fowley, and a solo Glen Matlock whose last solo album, Born Running was dedicated to New, and featured his last recorded work.