Leading New Zealand historian Jock Phillips spend three decades researching his latest book, To the Memory, an affectionate and respectful catalogue of the war memorials around New Zealand. Published in mid-April, in time to take advantage of the patriotism that always comes as we mark Anzac Day, this book highlights more than 1000 memorials in […]
■ REVIEW: To the Memory
Remembering the memorials Read Post »
There’s no doubt we live in a beautiful part of the world, but even a born-and-bred Southlander like me can be taken aback at times by just how beautiful it is. Drive for 20 minutes or so in any direction and you’ll find yourself admiring anything from a rural landscape to a rugged cliff. However,
■ REVIEW: Ulva Island: A Visitor's Guide,
Ulva Island a hidden treasure Read Post »
This comprehensive guide is based on the Natural History New Zealand-produced TV series of the same name, that was made to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the country’s first national park. As Kiwis, we are generally pretty proud of our whole “clean, green” image but I think most of us realise that image isn’t becoming
■ REVIEWS: Wild About New Zealand | A Walk A Day
Exploring NZ at ground level Read Post »
The school holidays are now all but over, with the young ‘uns heading back to class on Monday, so maybe it’s time to start some pro-active planning for the next break. And with that next break being the biggie for the year – the Christmas holidays – being prepared with some ideas for things to
■ REVIEW: Explore New Zealand
Must-do list a surefire holiday boredom-buster Read Post »
Seven years after first being published, this expanded and revised edition was back in the bookstores just in time for an appearance under last year’s Christmas tree, and this year it’s still a fine option for anyone on your pressie list who appreciates the beauty of our little piece of paradise. There are plenty of
It’s getting to that time of the year when you are perhaps thinking about Christmas gifts for family and friends overseas, and you’d be hard pressed to find something that represents better value that this book. Published last year but still every bit as relevant, and subtitled “a Celebration of our National Treasures & Pleasures”,
■ REVIEW: Our New Zealand
Taste of what makes New Zealand great Read Post »
Being a relatively young nation, our history is naturally a tad shorter that that of some of the other countries on this planet but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a story worth telling. In this new edition of the best-selling Short History of New Zealand, journalist, author and social commentator Gordon McLauchlan adds a few
■ REVIEW: A Short History of New Zealand
Short, but perfectly formed Read Post »
Kiwi writer Bruce Ansley has followed up his tribute to the legendary Mesopotamia high country station with another collaborative celebration of New Zealand’s beauty. This time Ansley has teamed up with photographer Jane Ussher to the the story of our coastline. The photographs are – of course – beautiful: how could they not be when
■ REVIEW: Coast
It’s our place … and it’s beautiful Read Post »
As a boy in the railway town of Te Kuiti, Graham Hutchins spent many hours watching the trains thundering through the town, fascinated by the machines. There’s something special about train travel and train enthusiasts then to be quite passionate about their love of the rails. Hutchins was hooked from an early age, going on
■ REVIEW: Stop the Train! I Want to Get On!
Nostalgia keeps on track Read Post »
Steve Braunias is a master of biting satire, so if you are looking for a friendly little travelogue highlighting the awesomeness of various locale, you might you might want to look elsewhere. However, if you want a read that is equal parts challenging, funny and provocative about the quirks and foibles of various towns and
■ REVIEW: Civilisation
Steve Braunias explores heartland and margins Read Post »
