Hayley Westenra biography out

Christchurch's international chart-topping songstress Hayley Westenra may be only 20, but her biography is in the shops today.

The book, Hayley Westenra In Her Own Voice, tells the story of the rise and rise of the young singer – from child wonder to best-selling international artist.

"Little old Hayley from Christchurch in New Zealand," as she refers to herself, tells the story of a young girl who made a name for herself in mall talent quests and busking on Christchurch streets to one who sings for royalty and world leaders.

There are no rock and roll revelations in which she owns up to throwing televisions out of hotel windows or making outrageous behind-the-scenes demands, but she does admit to taking a napkin from the American embassy in London and swiping two sugar sachets from the White House.

Instead, Westenra paints a picture of a young woman with a steely determination who rigidly takes care of her voice.

"I do like to have some healthy snack food to munch on between takes to keep my energy levels up," she wrote.

"I always take a little container of chopped vegetables and fruit, never eat dairy-based foods before singing because, and here I must apologise for the graphic detail, dairy tends to make you over-produce phlegm, which clogs your throat."

The mention of phlegm is about as naughty as Westenra gets in the book. There is no mention of diva-style tantrums, just a "sense of frustration".

Though she mingles with the rich and famous, Westenra says her thriftiness keeps her grounded.

During the recording of Pure, she promised herself she would avoid music industry hype so she took the bus to the recording studio.

Followers of Westenra's music will get an insight into how and why each song is chosen, which are her favourite, and how she got her own way once by turning on the waterworks in a room packed with big shots.

The 200-page life story discusses the strain of fame, and also her work with UNICEF.

It was written with ghost writer Darren Henley, the managing director of Classic FM in England.