New Zealand Leisure Walks: Auckland-Waitakere by Kathy Ombler (ed.)

$8.00 NZD

Category: Travel | Reading Level: very good

Gone North by Fiona Kidman; Jane Ussher

$20.00 NZD

Category: New Zealand | Reading Level: good-very good

More Than Just a Little Island - A History of Matakohe-Limestone Island by Tim Clark

$25.00 NZD

Category: Regional | Reading Level: very good

In the words of the author: "This is the story of a small island of only 37 hectares ( 93 acres) of almost solid limestone in the upper reaches of the Whangarei Harbour. Little of its history has been recorded until now. In the 60 years that I have known it, the island has been a barren place without mu ch to attract the attention of the casual visitor. on its summit are the earthworks of a Maori pa. Well-defined Maori garden drainage lines run down from the ridge almost to the shoreline, although few people realise what theyare. Otherwise its only noticeable features were a derelict concrete house, the shattered remains of an old cement works -fortunately with some of its brick kilns still standing -and other bits and pieces scattered around. Until recently there were very few trees. Just a little island of no consequence. This has now changed. A group of dedicated people had a vision of the island restored to its pre-European condition with a massive tree-planting programme. They formed the Friends of Matakohe-Limestone Island Society (FOMLI). They dreamed of a sanctuary for native birds, a haven for threatened wildlife uniquely close to the centre of a city. A place of restoration, preservation and learning where visitors are not confined by high fences and all can make a contribution, however humble. It is pleasing to see, even at this early stage, how many groups of school children visit the island. Its main aims may well be ecological, but the society has shown considerable sensitivity to the island's history. In carefully preserving the remnants of Maori and European occupancy, it also is helping shed light on our industrial past. My real interest in the island's history stems from a rare book dated 1883 that I chanced upon for a dollar in a secondhand bookshop. It consisted of a series of trade reports by the Auckland-based American consul of that time to his government. One chapter related to the cement industry. It led me to believe that Matakohe- Limestone Island played a far greater part in our industrial history than had ever been considered before. If that book was correct the first Portland cement made in the Southern Hemisphere was at Whangarei using limestone from the island. However standard history dictated I was wrong. Nathaniel Wilson with his works at Mahurangi held that honour. I lacked the technical expertise to prove my belief. In spite of setbacks I continued to research the story of the little island. I was finding out all sorts of previously unknown facts, but not on that key question -did the island deserve a place in international industrial history books? Some four years ago I approached Golden Bay Cement and was offered assistance through a researcher whom it already had under contract. Although nothing material was found, this help gave me the encouragement I so badly needed. Since then the invaluable contribution made by this company and its staff has solved the technical problems for me. My belief now became fact. In addition, the company's most valuable sponsorship of FOMLI has enabled me to carry out far more extensive research than otherwise would have been possible." ...Show more

Milford Sound: An Illustrated History of the Sound, the Track and the Road by John Hall-Jones

$30.00 NZD

Category: Regional | Reading Level: very good

Well illustrated history of one of New Zealand's most cherished scenic wonders.

Farming under Aspiring by Jerry Aspinall

$14.00 NZD

Category: Agriculture | Reading Level: very good

Clear Horizons - A History of the Lowcliffe and Coldstream Districts by Lowcliffe-Coldstream History Group Staff (Contribution by)

$20.00 NZD

Category: Regional | Reading Level: very good

Promised Land: From Dunedin to the Dunstan Goldfields by Grahame Sydney

$25.00 NZD

Category: Regional | Reading Level: near fine

Promised Land is an illustrated history of Central Otago's settlement by one of the region's most vocal advocates, artist Grahame Sydney. Before gold was discovered there in 1862, Central Otago was known as the 'Wasteland' and was home to no more than 40 to 50 pastoralists. However as soon as two prospe ctors announced they had struck gold, this sparse, inhospitable region was suddenly transformed into a secular 'Promised Land', into which legions of hopefuls marched, energised by dreams of earthly reward. Unfortunately the majority of diggers were poorly equipped for the terrible hardships that lay ahead and their Promised Land became the country of broken dreams - meanwhile in Dunedin and the province of Otago the coffers swelled. Sydney delves into several surviving diaries of gold prospectors to describe the pivotal period in Central Otago's history with vivid immediacy, concluding that this uniquely beautiful landscape lies just as much under threat of exploitation today. ...Show more

Port Preservation by A Charles Begg & Neil C Begg

$75.00 NZD

Category: Regional | Reading Level: very good

As High As the Hills - The Centennial History of Picton by Henry D. Kelly

$35.00 NZD

Category: Regional | Reading Level: very good

Pioneers of the Plains: the Deans of Canterbury by Gordon Ogilvie

$45.00 NZD

Category: Biography | Reading Level: very good

The Water Joey - A nostalgic look at the old wheat mills of Canterbury and the men and women who served them by Mona Anderson

$25.00 NZD

Category: Regional | Reading Level: very good

Crumbs Of Leithfield 1857-2007 150th Anniversary (John Leith's Arrival)

$50.00 NZD

Category: Regional | Reading Level: near fine

This book was first published in 1979 for a school reunion. It has now been updated an d it is intended as a pictorial history of the township and surrounding district.