NZ History Online

30 Reasons to Love NZ Books and Writing 25-30

A selection of stories about the history of Kiwi writing, writers and books

Sports writing

The story of New Zealand writing wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the enormous popularity of books written by or about our sports stars. How many New Zealanders besides rugby legend Colin Meads, for example, could inspire two biographies, published 30 years apart, and sell a combined total of more than 110,000 copies? More...

Hairy Maclary

The publication in 1983 of Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy skyrocketed Lynley Dodd to the status of picture book legend. Since then Hairy has been sent off on six more adventures. He's rescued hats on windy days, caused a rumpus at the vet, and even saved archenemy Scarface Claw when he got stuck in a tree. More...

Keri Hulme wins Booker Prize

By 1985 Keri Hulme had already won several New Zealand awards for her writing. But the decision to award her first novel, The bone people, the Booker Prize was a surprise to literary critics, bookies and Hulme alike. It was the first time any first novel had ever won, and remains the only New Zealand book to win the award. More...

Duck hunting in New Zealand

Some 30,000 Kiwis purchase a game-bird hunting licence each year. Duck shooters flock to ponds, lakes, swamps and rivers to enjoy the annual ritual of opening morning – the first Saturday in May. Gary Girvan's excellent Duck hunting in New Zealand is a recent addition to this country's surprisingly sparse game-bird hunting literature. More...

State-funded history

The New Zealand government has a long history of involvement in the culture and heritage sector. In particular, it has commissioned and published historical works of all kinds, ranging from the 50-plus volumes of Second World War history to the cutting-edge digital projects of the early 21st century (including NZHistory.net.nz!). More...