New Zealand/Aotearoa Recent Picks
January 2007
Click on the underlined title links to check the item's availability in our catalogue.
Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.
The 1 thing : a small epic journey down New Zealand's mother road by Bob Moore.
"Look at a road map of New Zealand and you can't fail to notice State Highway 1, zigzagging the full length of the two main islands like a crazy zipper down a shapely thigh-length boot. Like a down-under Route 66 or M1, State Highway 1 is the nation's mother road, a physical and cultural nerve column that runs through the biggest cities and smallest hamlets. To Bob Moore, a Pom-turned- Kiwi, it all added up to a road trip from a tourist's wildest dream. So, he fuelled up his Toyota Starlet and set out to do 'the one thing' above all others you should do at every stop on this long and picturesque highway, from sailing and caving to cheese-tasting and welly-boot throwing. And after reading his hilarious and ribald write-up, you may just want to do likewise." (Synopsis, Amazon.co.uk)
Paintings of the birds of New Zealand : the art of J.G. Keulemans, with an introduction by Ross Galbreath.
"The iconic paintings of New Zealand's native birds by nineteenth-century Dutch artist J.G. Keulemans were first published in the two editions of A History of the Birds of New Zealand by Sir Walter Buller. Now, in this beautifully designed and printed book, Keulemans' famous paintings of, among other subjects, the pukeko, New Zealand pipit, little spotted kiwi and tui are brought together alongside extracts from Buller's vibrant and evocative observations and an essay on the artist by Ross Galbreath." (Back cover)
Triumph and tears : 100 dramatic and memorable moments in New Zealand sport, 1897-2006, written and compiled by Richard Lawrence ; foreword by Ian Smith.
"For the first time, packed under one cover, one hundred of the most dramatic, poignant and memorable moments in New Zealand sport. Each chapter is a snapshot providing the reader with a nostalgic walk back down memory lane. Our sporting heritage so unequivocally entwined into the history of our nation. One hundred photographs, special images. One hundred chapters. Each is brushed with sorrow or joy, some with triumph and tears." (Back cover)
New Zealand's favourite artists, edited by Denis Robinson.
"This book is an impressive portfolio of works by sixty of the most popular artists currently working in New Zealand. It is designed as an introduction for those who are just starting out to buy the work of local artists and as an up-to-date reference for those art buyers who already collect New Zealand art." (Book jacket)
Baches & holiday homes to rent 2007, by Mark and Elizabeth Greening.
"Holiday Homes, baches and cribs are scattered throughout New Zealand. Built in all kinds of locations, shapes and sizes, these retreats have always featured prominently in the cherished tradition of New Zealand Holidays. Many of these homes are rented out by their owners when not in use. Baches & Holiday homes to Rent has listings of over 900 such homes throughout New Zealand, each with information on location, facilities, tariff, local attractions and a contact phone number. First published in 1992, this is the only guide of its kind available in New Zealand, and is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to enjoy the great holidays these homes provide." (Back cover)
Against the odds : Matt Te Pou and Maori rugby by Matt Te Pou with Matt McIlraith.
"Against the Odds : Matt Te Pou and Maori Rugby traces the evolution of the New Zealand Maori team during the professional rugby era, as seen through the eyes of the players and coach Matt Te Pou - one of the most influential Maori figures in the game. The book highlights the development of the players' personal, cultural and rugby skills from 1995-2001 and how Te Pou's upbringing and military service in Vietnam helped him shape the vision he bought to the team. There are moments of sheer triumph and heartbreak, as well as an insider's view of some of the more colourful incidents in the modern history of the New Zealand Maori team -both on the field and away from it! Against the Odds : Matt Te Pou and Maori rugby is an intriguing insight into the national treasure that is the New Zealand Maori team. It's a rugby story with a difference." (Back cover)
Extinct birds of New Zealand by Alan Tennyson and Paul Martinson.
"In New Zealand's lush rainforests, isolated from the outside world for 80 million years, many extraordinary birds evolved. They included the giant moa, the beautiful huia, and the largest eagle the earth has ever seen. Within a few hundred years, human settlement extinguished 58 species - over a quarter of those originally present. For the first time ever, this book brings all these lost birds to life. In rich colour, celebrated wildlife artist Paul Martinson depicts each bird in its original habitat. Te Papa palaeontologist Alan Tennyson provides detailed information on the birds as well as a compelling overview of their tragic extinction. Extinct Birds of New Zealand is essential reading for expert and amateur ornithologists, students, and anyone interested in this country's natural history." (Back cover)
A short history of sheep in New Zealand by Richard Wolfe.
"Sheep are central to New Zealand - they prop up the nation's economy; they enrich our language as well as our tables; they're the subject of countless jokes; and now they're the stuff of high fashion. It's hard to imagine our country without them. A Short History of Sheep in New Zealand contains everything you need to know about sheep - it's an in-depth history as well as a miscellany of sheep trivia, statistics, lore and facts." (Back cover)
An A-Z of NZ : a quirky take on life, Kiwi style by Kevyn Male.
"Ever wanted to bottle the essence of the Kiwi lifestyle? It's an elusive brand, but a good place to start sniffing for it is in Kevyn Male's gallery of all things Enzed. Tip-Top, Buzzy Bee, Edmonds and other icons rub shoulders with a host of eclectic characters including rugby packs, near-naked bungy jumpers, street sweepers, prize rams, gumbooted cows and many more in a pungent brew that's sure to hit the spot." (Book jacket)
Hidden gems of Northland by Martin Robinson.
"Whether you prefer a leisurely ramble through local museums, glow-worm caves or country churches, or if you'd rather hit the bike trails, scuba dive or lounge with the locals in the cosiest pubs, Hidden Gems of Northland opens up a treasure chest of curiosities and activities to be discovered north of Auckland." (Back cover)
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