They’re small, cool and – after starring in a cult movie classic – they’re very much a Kiwi icon. Minis are loved by drivers from all walks of life and have been popular with us Kiwis since their launch 47 years ago – more than a lifetime for some of us. And while the rest of […]
A classic car that’s still cheery Read Post »
There are already plenty of books around that showcase the beautiful scenery of our country — the mountains, oceans and rivers. There are also quite a few that highlight our critters, our food and other Kiwiana. Now here’s one that celebrates our people. Faces of New Zealand includes more than 100 photos of New Zealanders,
Celebrating NZ’s people Read Post »
The latest in a series of action-packed novels featuring FBI special agent Kimberly Quincy, Say Goodbye lives up to the hype of Lisa Garnder’s earlier novels and manages to inject more than a few jarring moments and unexpected twists along the way. No one seems to notice the disappearance of numerous young women, writing them
Lots of twists … and spiders Read Post »
This is a fantastic book for young Kiwis who want to know more about just what Anzac Day is all about. A moving and fascinating explanation of how the red poppy came to symbolise this special day in our nation’s history, Wearing the Poppy is the story of our first Anzacs, told through the experiences
Explaining Anzac Day Read Post »
Caesar was the New Zealand Rifle Brigade’s mascot, a bulldog with attitude and courage. Trained as a Red Cross dog, Caesar rescued wounded soldiers from no man’s land. Like most dogs, he did what he did out of loyalty and trust. This story has been written by the great-niece of Caesar’s handler and is something
Four-legged hero honoured Read Post »
Here it is: everything you could ever want to know about New Zealand’s traditions, ideas, folklore and history. And perhaps a few things you didn’t realise you needed to know. Kiwiosities: An A-Z of NZ Traditions and Folklore is a cross-referenced, alphabeticised offering covering everything from “A good keen man” to “Zealandia” and everything in
A colourful history lesson on Kiwi culture Read Post »
This was one of those books that managed to surprise me. That surprise didn’t come as a result of a twisty plot (although it certainly had one of those) but because after the first couple of chapters I was beginning to think I’d picked a dud to read. Fast forward a couple more and I
Slow start builds to a great read Read Post »
I’m not really a great fan of seafood but the bloke of the house got rather excited when he spotted the Seafood Bible, and it goes without saying that you can never have too many ideas for salads. Both these books are packed with fresh ideas and colourful photos and, while none of the recipes
Inspiration for summer cooking Read Post »
New Zealanders tend to do well on the international stage when it comes to motorsport but let’s not forget the amazing history of motorsport we have here in our own country. Motorsport journalist Ross MacKay takes a look at where we’ve been on two wheels and four, taking readers from the very first organised event
Looking back at Kiwis on wheels Read Post »
This book presented me with a bit of a dilemma: I enjoy a good, old-fashioned murder mystery and for the most part, Jonathan Kellerman writes well enough. However, by the end of the book, the whole thing just felt a little too formulaic. There’s enough in this latest offering in the Alex Delaware series to
A little too familiar by the final chapters Read Post »
