Nonfiction New Zealand Bestsellers
The Aunt Daisy Cookbook By Barbara Basham
Generations of New Zealanders responded to pioneering broadcaster Aunt Daisy's nine 
o'clock radio catchcry, 'Good morning, everybody'. While her nationwide broadcasts ended more than 40 years ago, her legacy lives on. The Aunt Daisy Cookbook was first published in 1968 and reprinted more than 20 times since. Her basic, tried-and-true recipes have been used by New Zealanders for many years. The Aunt Daisy Cookbook is an iconic book from an iconic Kiwi and now, in 2009, has the added nostalgic element. All royalties from the sale of this book will go to fund medical research in New Zealand.
Billy T: The Life and Times of Billy T. James By Matt Elliott 
Billy T James was a larger-than-life comedian who gave us some of our best belly laughs. An accomplished singer and musician, he created enduring characters, poking the borax at the oh-so-delicate state of race relations in New Zealand in a way that stood him head and shoulders above other performers of his era. Like John Clarke's Fred Dagg, Billy T's characters were Kiwi through and through and we loved him for it. When he died in his early forties, of complications following a heart transplant, the nation was shocked - first by his premature death, and then by one of the first highly publicised interracial body-snatching incidents. His Pakeha wife and his iwi disagreed over funeral arrangements, ending in the taking by force of his body from their home in Auckland to a marae in Ngaruawahia. The sight of iwi and family battling in the media and reports of his body being transported in a van made sickening headlines. His widow, Lynn Matthews, and a number of Billy's closest friends who have kept their silence until now, have cooperated with author Matt Elliott to tell the story of the man behind the cheeky grin and the infectious laugh. What emerges is the shy, self-doubting man the public never saw, and the death threats and exploitation of his generous nature that placed intolerable strain on the man who only ever wanted to make us laugh. The result is perceptive, funny and endearing - just like the man himself. More
The Tui New Zealand Vegetable GardenBy Sally Cameron
Practical, comprehensive and highly illustrated guide to planting and maintaining a vegetable garden for the novice to the experienced gardener. The Tui New Zealand Vegetable Garden contains all the essential information you need, from how to condition the soil, how and where to plant, sprouting schedules to what kind of yield to expect from each plant variety, and harvesting tips. There is also a section on how to combat pests and diseases in order to build a healthy and thriving garden - whether yours is of the raised bed variety or some pot plants on your balcony. The Tui NZ Vegetable Garden includes 74 common and more exotic vegetables and herbs, and each vegetable section ends with recipe ideas for turning produce into a tasty meal. Chapters include: Preparing an edible garden -- Garden management -- A to Z of vegetables -- A to Z of herbs -- Problems and nasties in your garden -- Garden diary and calendar. More
Peter Bush: A Life in Focus by Paul Thomas & Peter Bush
Have camera will travel. For over 50 years this has been Peter Bush's guiding maxim. Remarkably, he shot his first rugby match for the New Zealand Herald in 1949. Sixty years later he can still be seen on the sidelines of all major All Blacks matches. He is a true living legend in New Zealand photojournalism. A raconteur par excellence, Bushie's anecdotal tales from his years in the army, merchant navy and as a news photographer attached to numerous rugby tours, make for absorbing reading. While he has always been happy to have his photographic work turned into books, he has, until now, resisted all offers to produce a fully-fledged biography. His life has been one long adventure. This biography promises to be a special book on a special New Zealander.
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Just in Time to be Too Late: Why Men are Like Buses by Peta Mathias
In her bestselling guide Can We Help it if We're Fabulous, the irrepressible Peta Mathias shared her thoughts on being a woman. Now, with Just in Time to be Too Late, she turns her attention to what it means to be a man in the 21st century. What makes men cry? Why are bad boys so irresistible? What exactly is the point of sport? To what extent is a man's self worth connected to his job? What do men look for in a relationship? Does a man ever get over his first love? Why do men lie? What does he need to be happy? And, of course, why are men like buses? These are just some of the vexing questions Peta looks for answers to. Though she has been married and has had her fair share both of meaningful relationships and flirtatious dalliances, Peta is the first to admit that she knew very little about the opposite sex when she began work on this book - 'A virgin would know more about men than me because she's probably listened more.' Consequently Just in Time to be Too Late is an account of Peta's own discoveries as she delves deeper into the mysterious world of men - a highly personal and frequently hilarious pilgrimage that will resonate with women everywhere. More
Ali's Book of Tall Tales by Ali Williams & James Griffin
Ali Williams breaks the mould as an All Black tight forward. A confirmed urbanite, Ali Williams switched his Super 14 allegiances from Auckland to Christchurch in 2007 after a much-publicised bust-up with Australian coach David Nucifora. In this book Williams will take a light-hearted look at rugby at the very top in New Zealand and will touch on some of the more controversial aspects of his career - including his earth-shattering dismissal from the Blues' tour of South Africa in 2007. As well, Williams will revisit the failed 2007 World Cup campaign, look at the All Blacks' rotation and reconditioning policies; the famous incident when his jaw was broken in a collision with Frenchman Sebastien Chabal and analyse differences in the Crusaders and Blues setups. He will also talk of his charity work and explain the reasons why he stayed in New Zealand after the World Cup and thus turning his back on the big bucks on offer in Europe. More
Richie McCaw: A Tribute to a Modern-day Rugby Great by John Matheson
Richie McCaw's standing within the All Blacks team is unmatched. The captain of Graham Henry's team since 2006, McCaw has carved a niche for himself as the modern-day great within the All Blacks - the charismatic, never-say-die leader whom fans of the Men in Black have come to hold in the same light as many of the most revered captains of yesteryear. Richie McCaw: A Tribute to a Modern-day Rugby Great charts the career of the proud Canterbury and Crusaders star who first burst into the national rugby conscience in 2001 when he helped his province to an NPC championship. Soon after, he was making his All Blacks debut in Dublin, beginning a test career that will ultimately culminate at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. Author John Matheson tells the story of how the understated McCaw has reinvented himself to emerge as the talisman for his charges in the same way that Buck Shelford, Sean Fitzpatrick and Tana Umaga have done before him. Interviews with teammates, coaches and opponents will help the reader gain a renewed respect for McCaw, as the All Blacks plan their next assault on the Rugby World Cup. Richie McCaw: A Tribute to a Modern-day Rugby Great takes the reader inside More
A Second Helping: More from Ladies, a Plate By Alexa Johnston
In response to the enthusiastic reception for her Ladies, a Plate, Alexa Johnston has gathered another tempting selection of traditional home-baking recipes. This collection has many more old favourites, like Sponge Kisses, Melting Moments and Cream Lilies, as well as a few savoury treats. Alexa has also included a chapter on home-made sweets so that readers will be able to stock the sweet stall at the school fair with Hokey Pokey, Ginger Ice and the very best Russian Fudge. Snippets of social history are once again included throughout as Alexa pays tribute to the women who contributed recipes to the hundreds of community cookbooks that were published over the past sixty years. Like its predecessor, this beautiful book will be essential in every baker's kitchen and a source of continuing pleasure.
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Growing Great Marriages By Ian Grant, Mary Grant
Ian and Mary Grant maintain that the two great human desires are to know that we can love and that we can be loved. In their latest book, they give skills and tips on how to maintain your relationship with your husband or wife. Whether your relationship is flaming with passion or just flaming awful, this entertaining book gives you insights and practical ideas to make your life stronger and happier. You will take away keys and tips to transform your relationship into one that others will envy, full of fun, communication, passion and intimacy. Turn the dream into a reality. More
Healthy Bastards: A Bloke's Guide to Staying Healthy By Dave Baldwin
If laughter is the best medicine then Dr Dave Baldwin's Healthy Bastards is the essential prescription for every bloke who wants to know more about his health. Using his trademark humour and plain language, Dr Dave takes the pain out of illness by explaining all the common health problems and major diseases that affect the average bloke. You'll also find out how the different parts of the body work, and how to fi x or avoid your particular complaint. Summaries and key points mean you don't even have to read the whole chapter! A GP for more than 20 years, flying doctor Dave originally self-published this book for his pilot patients, and has now rewritten this accessible guide for the everyday Kiwi bloke. More
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Big Ideas 100 Wonders of New Zealand Engineering By Matthew Wright
Roads, bridges, dams, railway viaducts, tunnels ...New Zealand is full of
amazing feats of engineering. Our number-eight wire mentality has brought about some incredible engineering solutions to create structures and systems to wonder at, from the Manapouri underground power station to Burt Munro's famous Indian motorcycle. Who designed these amazing things? How were they built? What innovative solutions did their engineers use to overcome problems of terrain, weather, materials and cost? From early Maori and European settlement through the boom days of the late 1900s into the Depression-era projects of the early twentieth century and on to the Think Big years, Wonders of New Zealand Engineering features 100 projects from around the country with informative text, fact boxes and historic photographs. This is a great book to dip into or read from cover to cover, showing the development of New Zealand's fascinating engineering heritage. More
Mils Muliaina: Living the Dream
By Mils Muliaina, Lynn McConnell (With)
With more than 50 test matches at fullback under his belt, Mils Muliaina is the most capped All Blacks No.15 of all time. Muliaina combines pace and a dangerous counterattacking ability with dependability and strong positional play at the back for New Zealand. He also has the speed and rugby nous to play at the highest level at either wing or centre. He has scored 21 test tries for the All Blacks, which places him amongst the top 10 all-time test tryscorers for New Zealand. Mils Muliaina's biography will plot a highly unusual path to the pinnacle of New Zealand rugby. Born in Samoa, more
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Mothers Raising Sons
By Nigel Latta
Why are boys so noisy? Why do they break things? Why are they fascinated with things that can burn, blind and cripplethem? Why do they lose the gift of speech and get so smelly at adolescence? All this and more is revealed, with some surprising conclusions about what we think we know about the differences between boys and girls, and a few tilts at sacred cows. With practical examples and case studies to help all mothers raising boys, there's particular comfort for single mothers worried about the lack of men in their son's lives. Whether you're a mum, a harassed grandparent, or a guardian raising boys who may not be your sons but are your boys all the same, this book's for you. More
100 Ways to Use Slow Cookers and Crockpots
By Alison Holst, Simon Holst
Everyone who owns a slow cooker knows you can use it to make tender and delicious stews or casseroles,but this book offers so much more as well...It will show you how to widen your horizonss and provide tasty ideas for almost any occasion! From fresh tomato juice to creme brulee and upside down cake - you'll be amazed what you can make. It covers: 'Roasts', from moist whole chicken to tender pork shoulder, delicious soups, fragrant curries, side dishes like rice, baked potatoes and dumplings, family favourites like meatloaf and lasagne to the ultimate comfort foods, super easy macaroni cheese. More
Marvellous Mince and Sensational Sausages: 100 Easy and Delicious Recipes
By Alison Holst, Simon Holst
Let Simon and Alison Holst show you how to really please your family by cooking some of the delicious recipes in this book!
Both mince and sausages are real comfort foods, and are incredibly popular with all age groups. As well, they are great value for money and can be used in many interesting and exciting ways with the addition of a few humble ingredients!
Try some of Simon & Alison's suggestions for:
Quick and easy one -pan dinners Sizzling burgers on the barbecue Spicy curries, chillies and other ethinic treats
And many, many more...
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After The Panic
Gareth Morgan's follow-up to Pension Panic, which has sold almost 20,000 copies. Many of Gareth's predictions fromthat book have come true - a number of finance companies have gone bust, the property market is in tatters and lots of super schemes are in trouble.rnrnIn After the panic Gareth outlines the problems with the products that have collapsed; talks about why the savings and investment sector is still structurally sick; and discussed how best to navigate investing now. This is a must-have book for anyone with super, Kiwisaver or investments of any kind. More
Toughen Up: What I've Learned About Surviving Tough Times
Michael Hill believes the looming meltdown can be a good thing for businesses and entrepreneurs. It is possible to succeedin a downturn - in fact it is the perfect situation in which to perfect a business. Instead of fearing the side-effects of recession, wallowing in gloom and convincing ourselves the only safe haven is at home under the blankets, entrepreneurs can use this period to their advantage. With the right attitude, you can not only survive, but emerge from the crunch with a new feeling of prosperity and strength. Over the years, Michael Hill has had just about every possible experience in business: from lie-awake-at-night nerves to the joy of unexpected success. He's reshaped the landscape under his feet and he has ventured into new territory more
The Great New Zealand Songbook
This strictly limited deluxe set of 'The Great New Zealand Songbook' includes a 100-page journal of handwritten lyrics,photos and memorabilia, contributed by the artists themselves - the coolest Kiwi music coffee table book ever, and the music that goes with it! After attending the Split Enz Vector Arena concert in March 2008, Murray Thom (the creator behind this unique project), turned to his son and said that they had just heard the "The Great New Zealand Songbook". That was the birth of a project, which from the outset, encapsulated more than just the music. The final result is this two CD set, featuring 42 of New Zealand's favourite recording artists - including Split Enz, Dave Dobbyn, Neil Finn, Supergroove, Bic Runga, Shihad, Dragon, Opshop, Evermore, Brooke Fraser, The Chills, Ladyhawke and many more, performing a selection of the best New Zealand music from the''Last Century' and 'This Century'. More
Walking in Light
By Kelvin Cruickshank
Kelvin is one of three psychics selected to investigate unsolved murders on the acclaimed TV2 series Sensing Murder - nowin its second series and one of the country's highest-rating TV shows. From his early days growing up in an isolated rural environment to travelling the world as an acclaimed psychic investigator, Kelvin's life story is amazing, inspirational and at times heart-breaking. Walking In Light shares memories of his earliest psychic experiences and his struggles to accept his gift, and recalls many of the amazingly accurate communications he has shared with believers and sceptics alike. More
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Tana Umaga: Up Close By Tana Umaga
Recently retired All Blacks captain Tana Umaga is one of the most respected players in world rugby. As the firstplayer of Samoan heritage to captain the All Blacks in test rugby, his story is unique. One of the proudest players ever to wear the famous black jersey, Umaga became an inspirational captain - a man adored by both his team-mates and public alike.In his biography, Umaga will talk of his great love of the All Blacks; of the many highs and lows he has experienced in his 10-year career at the top, and will not shirk the controversial moments in his career - including THAT tackle on Lions centre and captain Brian O'Driscoll. In 2003, he became the first New Zealander to receive the Pierre de Coubertin Trophy for Fair Play for attending to the injured Colin Charvis of Wales during a Test at Hamilton. In 2005 he brought up 100 Super 12 caps with the Hurricanes More
Bake
By Allyson Gofton, Alan Gillard (Photographs)
Allyson Gofton has employed her years' of baking experience, to create this sumptuous baking book stacked with traditional Kiwi classics and her favourite family recipes. Chapters include: pantry essentials; substitutions - what to do when you've started baking and realise you're missing an ingredient; what went wrong? - how to resurrect a baking disaster so no one will ever know; fast & furious - how to whip up a dessert for unexpected guests; plus, recipes for biscuits, slices, loaves, scones, muffins, cup cakes, cakes, puddings and tarts, yeast. Beautifully designed, with stunning photographs from Alan Gillard, this is an essential addition to every home cook book library. If you only buy one baking book this year, it must be bake. More
Other Bestsellers
Poles Apart : The Great Climate Change Debate
Gareth Morgan couldn't decide whether he believed in climate change or not, so he hired the best international scientists toanswer his questions and these are his findings. Combined with anecdotes from his own recent trips to Antarctica and the Arctic this is something completely unique in books about climate change - somebody who has approached the topic with an open mind, somebody who has the resources to explore such a topic and somebody who has personally investigated all of the issues. So what was his conclusion? Read the book to find out. In conjunction with excellent researcher and writer Dr John McCrystal, this is an accessible and fascinating exploration of one of the biggest topics of the 21st century. This book defines climate change, explains the science of taking the earth's temperature, looks at the respective cases of the alarmists and the sceptics, examines the anecdotal evidence and the politics of this dialogue, and then comes to a conclusion based on all this research.
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The Penguin History of New Zealand
By Michael King (Other primary creator), David Filer (Contributions by)
The late Michael King's acclaimed Penguin History of New Zealand is the local publishing phenomenon of the early twentieth century. Total sales in paperback and hardback have recently reached a staggering 220,000. King's text has been hailed for its accessibility and for being positive and constructive in a time of uncertainty. This is an illustrated hardback edition in full colour in the same format as Gerard Hutchings' Natural World of New Zealand. To Michael King's wonderful text has been added nearly 300 illustrations researched by David Filer: photographs, early paintings, engravings, maps and ephemera. More
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