The World’s Your Lobster, by Joe Bennett (HarperCollins, RRP $26.99): If you’re a regular reader of The Southland Times, I’m sure you’re also a regular reader of the columns of the very talented Joe Bennett. Young Mr Bennett is, without…
Category: NZ books
Social history reprint still relevant
Maori: A Photographic and Social History, by Michael King (Raupo Publishing, RRP $50): Historian Michael King died in a 2004 car crash but his work continues to have an impact on New Zealand culture. This revised edition of a book…
A classic car that’s still cheery
Mini Down Under: 50 Years of the Mini in NZ, by Donn Anderson (Penguin, RRP $45): 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…
Celebrating NZ’s people
Faces of New Zealand, photographs by Brian Curtis (New Holland Publishers, RRP $45): 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…
Explaining Anzac Day
Wearing the Poppy, by A J Toledo (HarperCollins, RRP $19.99): 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…
Four-legged hero honoured
Caesar: The True Story of a Canine ANZAC Hero, by Patricia Stroud (HarperCollins, RRP $26.99): 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…
A colourful history lesson on Kiwi culture
Kiwiosities, by Gordon El (New Holland Publishers): 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…
Looking back at Kiwis on wheels
Racing: A History of Motorsport in New Zealand, by Ross MacKay (Whitcoulls, RRP $34.99): 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…
Beautifully packaged book
Snapper: New Zealand’s Greatest Fish, edited by Sam Mossman (AUT Media, RRP $59.99): Fish are fascinating creatures, and none more so than the snapper. It is an iconic Kiwi fish and in this book it is celebrated by writers, photographers,…
Incredible story of survival and belief
Treading Water: Rob Hewitt’s Survival Story, by Rob Hewitt with Aaron Smale (Huia, RRP $30): We all felt for former All Black Norm Hewitt when the news broke back in February, 2006, that his brother Rob was the diver missing…