Mt John University Observatory is New Zealand's only professional research observatory for optical astronomy. John Hearnshaw, a past director of the observatory, has delved into the observatory archives to write this engaging account of Mt John's fascinating history. Alan Gilmore, the recently retired observatory superintendent, has added to this with his personal recollections, having worked at the observatory for more than 34 years. Fifty years ago, in 1965, Mt John University Observatory was founded at Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie Basin to take advantage of the favourable conditions for astronomy. Telescopes were installed, and in 1981 a lighting ordinance helped protect the site from light pollution. Astronomical research had been thriving on Mt John for 40 years when astro-tourism started to take off, largely due to the venture company Earth & Sky. Today Mt John is both a research observatory and a mecca for stargazing astro-tourists, who come to see the pristine landscape and the amazing dark night skies. It is one of the most beautiful astronomical observatories in the world, but also a place with an often turbulent history, having been rocked by personality battles, funding shortfalls, student demonstrations and on one occasion, a destructive fire. In spite of all that, its scientific work has been an outstanding success, and Mt John's research work, especially in stellar astronomy, is known and respected around the world. "Mt John - The First 50 Years: A celebration of half a century of optical astronomy at the University of Canterbury" is richly illustrated, with more than 180 figures, many of them outstanding landscape and nightscape photographs taken by the acclaimed Tekapo photographer, Fraser Gunn.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 216

Dimensions: 303 x 232 mm

Publication Date: 16-03-2015

Andrew Nicholson is one of the world's leading event riders. He rode in his first Olympics aged 23 in Los Angeles in 1984, and has represented his native New Zealand in six Olympic Games and six world championships, winning medals of every colour. Andrew is respected and admired by his peers and sporting fans as a brilliant rider and competitor. At the age of 54 he is at the peak of his powers and, with the best team of horses he has ever had, is focused on winning one of the very few prizes to elude him an individual gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. This book tells the story of the boy from a farm in New Zealand who came to Britain as a raw 18-year-old and conquered one of the most demanding sports in the world. Illustrated with superb photographs of Andrew's career and life with horses, it reveals how he got to the top and how hard he still strives to up his game. We discover the personalities of his top horses, and the secrets he has learnt in his 35 years as a horseman. Foreword by Captain Mark Phillips.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 28-08-2014

BESTSELLER The novel A Gallipoli Soldier’s Secret is the story of a New Zealand woman’s pilgrimage to Turkey to discover the truth about her great-grandfather’s fate - a Gallipoli soldier who never returned home. During her search she stumbles over dark secrets which have been hidden in a Turkish village for decades. They are so sensitive that disclosure threatens embarrassment for villagers and two old foes -New Zealand and Turkey.
Lyrically written, A Gallipoli Soldier’s Secret paints an informative picture of life in a Turkish village, Turkish culture and history, and the suffering and annihilation Turks endured in WWI. It follows the war through the stories of two soldiers – New Zealander Alistair John Taylor and Turk Ali Osman. Their lives converge with unexpected consequences.
A Gallipoli Soldier’s Secret is unique in that it provides a glimpse of the war from a Turkish perspective. It also vividly reveals village life and a journey of inner conflict and self-discovery.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 300

Dimensions: 135 x 216 x 40 mm

Publication Date: 10-02-2015

Following the success of Karyn Hay’s historical fiction novel, The March of the Foxgloves, Karyn returns with Winged Helmet, White Horse – more reminiscent in style of her debut, Emerald Budgies. Set in contemporary London, Winged Helmet, White Horse is a darkly comic psychological drama. Tim has mastered the art of subordination; to his job, his wife, and even his daughter. Having written one critically acclaimed book of poetry he is struggling to write a second, while his wife, Natasha, who is into “positive affirmations”, and spending money, has plans of her own. As Tim stumbles through the social landscape of suburban London, trying to give up alcohol and gain some control over his life, he makes several disturbing discoveries; ultimately concluding that he is not in control of anything, and that it’s all been a terrible, deadly illusion.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 360

Dimensions: 155 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 16-11-2018

Each of these bonkers short stories takes you on a hilarious mind-swapping adventure. There’s a boy trapped in a fly’s body. A toad waiting to be kissed. Horses that know Morse code and aliens who hijack children’s bodies. Packed with action and laugh-out-loud moments, these seven stories are perfect for both boys and girls, especially those reluctant readers who struggle to find their next book. Each page-turning tale is delightfully illustrated by Paul Beavis, an award-winning children’s illustrator. Suitable for fans of Andy Griffiths, David Walliams and Paul Jennings.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 239

Dimensions: 127 x 203 mm

Publication Date: 05-08-2018

There has never been a better time to discover and cherish Canterbury’s historic houses. Seventy more treasures can be found in this book. They are survivors of threats both manmade and natural. Most stood strong during the Canterbury earthquakes. Others are now in need of repair. All deserve to have their story told and enjoyed.
This book is a beautifully illustrated account of 70 country houses located in Canterbury. Fine pen and ink drawings by renowned artist Rodney Wells are complemented by Vicky Heward’s text which is a wonderful insight into the people who have done much to shape the culture of our country.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 270 x 214 mm

Publication Date: 30-10-2012

There has never been a better time to discover and cherish Canterbury’s historic houses. Seventy more treasures can be found in this book. They are survivors of threats both manmade and natural. Most stood strong during the Canterbury earthquakes. Others are now in need of repair. All deserve to have their story told and enjoyed.
This book is a beautifully illustrated account of 70 country houses located in Canterbury. Fine pen and ink drawings by renowned artist Rodney Wells are complemented by Vicky Heward’s text which is a wonderful insight into the people who have done much to shape the culture of our country.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 270 x 214 mm

Publication Date: 30-10-2012

The second volume in our foundation series develops the skills for our aspiring equestrians, building on improving efficiency, depth of knowledge and understanding of horse knowledge and care, lungeing for exercise, with horse riding skills progressing to show jumping. A great addition to any aspiring equestrian, this book also provides the recommended reading for the British Horse Society Stage 2 qualification in horse care, riding and teaching.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 300

Publication Date: 31-08-2017

PROVOCATIONS: THE WORK OF CHRISTINE WEBSTER, has been published as a catalogue to accompany the exhibition of the same name at the Christchurch Art Gallery. Complex, theatrical and fearless, Christine Webster has astonished and sometimes outraged New Zealanders over the last 20 years. She addresses power relations, sexual identity and the representations of the body through guise.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 95

A group of women living in violent relationships meets each week in a community house. Their advocates - feisty, radical feminists, Leah Gunn and her partner Kelly, have developed a liberating practice, from their own lived experience, which helps women to evaluate their lives and make decisions...A story told in a group session acts as the catalyst for transformation and tragedy. Thus unfolds tales of abuse, betrayals, violence and compassion that make compelling reading. This story is as relevant today as it was in the 1990s, the setting for the book.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 220

Dimensions: 148 x 225 mm