Of modest stature, from Central European stock and born in West Auckland, Peter Hubscher first trialled as a winemaker in Hawke’s Bay in the 1960s. His apprenticeship completed, he returned to the Waitākere Ranges to begin his career with Montana Wines and put into practice his vision for the undeveloped New Zealand wine industry. Driven by a desire to see local wines as a quality product on the world stage, Peter led Montana into a fruitful period — they established Sauvignon Blanc as the wine for which New Zealand became known, began using techniques influenced by European and American vintners, and overcame the Achilles’ heel for Kiwi winemakers: excellence in red wine. Montana widened its palate in the 1990s with sponsorship of the World of WearableArt Awards, Montana Sunday Theatre and the Montana Book Awards, and support for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. In retirement, Peter’s love of the arts culminated with the Tironui Music Trust, founded with his wife, Pam, to support disadvantaged youth to learn music. Provocative and irreverent, A Vintner’s Tale is the story of change and innovation in one of New Zealand’s notable industries and an important record of the people who made the world take notice.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 142

Dimensions: 190 x 250 mm

Publication Date: 05-09-2023

More than 350 men were imprisoned in New Zealand during World War I for sedition or resisting military service. Among them were numerous Canterbury pacifists, motivated to resist the tide of militarism and imperialism that was sweeping the world. I Don't Believe In Murder is an alternative history of the years before, during and after New Zealand's involvement in World War I. It depicts the strong response made by Canterbury's labour, socialist and women's movements to pre-war compulsory military training and wartime conscription. Most importantly, it tells the stories of the people who made Christchurch the leading city in the peace movement, and of the young men who refused to fight, enduring imprisonment, hardships and loss of civil rights - all determined to follow their consciences and take a religious, humanitarian or political stand against war. Drawing on archives, newspapers and family collections, this is a crucial narrative for understanding the moral dilemmas posed by a country's participation in armed conflict.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 328

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 01-07-2023

Keeping the Party in Tune embraces twenty stories ‘for the record’, primarily about battles in the life of a union leader and Labour politician during some of the most turbulent times in New Zealand’s political and industrial history. As the MP for Porirua and later Mana, Graham Kelly was at the coalface of sweeping changes in the 1980s and ‘90s to working people’s lives. He documents the causes and consequences of neo-liberal economic policies. Other pieces capture the often-hilarious life of a musician and dance band leader. These stories are interspersed with insights from international travels as a New Zealand MP on fact-finding missions to remote countries such as Tibet and North Korea, and later as High Commissioner to Canada.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 288

Publication Date: 22-08-2023

The author’s father Philip Alfred Poole was the youngest son of English migrants from Shropshire who settled in Invercargill during the 1890s gold rush and established a successful family joinery business. A keen sportsman and a talented amateur musician, he was conscripted into the New Zealand army in 1917 and volunteered for specialist training as a machine gunner, where he rose quickly to the rank of sergeant. In camp he established a reputation as a solo violinist and on the voyage to Britain he performed on the troopship and before packed theatres in Jamaica and in explosion-torn Halifax. On the Atlantic crossing his ship succumbed to the first wave of Spanish flu, hitherto undocumented. Later in the same voyage his convoy was attacked by German submarines. He spent his war service at the notorious Sling Camp, where the opportunities to make music and the beauties of the countryside compensated for the rigours of training and camp life. Drafted to fight in France he was billeted on his final leave with a family who had lost their own son in France barely four days earlier. A desperate visit to see his Shropshire relatives before he too might fall brought the realisation that his true home was in New Zealand. In the days before embarkation the army made the final call on whether he was to serve as a machine gunner or as a musician. The war finished shortly after and then began the long wait for repatriation to New Zealand.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 210

Dimensions: 152 x 210 mm

Publication Date: 20-04-2023

In February 1954, an unlikely looking runner with a withered left arm shot into world reckoning as a miler. His name was Murray Halberg. Coached by Arthur Lydiard, an Auckland shoe factory foreman, Halberg went on to become an Olympic champion and world record-holder, so too did another athlete Lydiard coached, Peter Snell. Their success and that of other athletes coached by Lydiard inspired a new generation of champions through the 1970s and into the 1980s: Allison Roe, Lorraine Moller, Anne Audin, Dick Quax, Rod Dixon, Dick Tayler, and John Walker. New Zealand became known as a nation that produced great runners. Then tradition faded and almost died until a new star emerged, Nick Willis. However, apart from Willis the days of world-class runners coming consistently out of New Zealand have gone. This book explores what happened.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 384

Dimensions: 185 x 240 x 23 mm

Publication Date: 01-01-2022

Observed from space, Earth looks like a blue planet, particularly in the wondrous blue tones emanating from south of the equator. Indeed, about two-thirds of the earth’s surface is covered in water, and our pride in this is exceeded only by what we feel when witnessing the overwhelming abundance and beauty of our natural scenery. The closer we approach each individual landscape, the greater the color ranges become as nature continues to surprise us. Black volcanic rock erupts into vivid red founts of fire. Sand dunes and mountain peaks shine bright orange under intense sunlight. In contrast, softer pastel tones dominate a blooming heath or lavender field. Our gaze then sweeps over a medley of greens—deep-green pine forests, poison-green reptiles, and light-green fresh undergrowth in valleys. The Colors of the Earth presents unique panoramas that showcase the beauty and opulent diversity of our natural world—that will amaze you and deepen your appreciation of our world.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 360

Dimensions: 381 x 254 mm

Publication Date: 28-07-2023

Ahoy and welcome aboard! Experience Europe from an entirely new perspective, sailing on the most beautiful waterways through breathtaking landscapes. Thirty routes complete with photographic illustration and route maps show how compelling, varied, and diverse a river cruise can be on the Danube, the Volga, the Thames, or any other rivers highlighted within this book. Whether on the Shannon River through the raw beauty of the North or along the lovely Loire Valley through France, there is always something unique on the banks to awaken curiosity. At the same time, there is nothing quite as relaxing for the mind and spirit as the element of water. Let this book inspire you to embark on a refined art of travel, one that both excites and encourages you to fully unwind. Do you already have the urge to travel? You will find the highlights of each cruise listed on a practical and clearly outlined route map: Just pinpoint your destination and you are ready to go. Pack your suitcase and head for the sundeck!

Bind: hardback

Pages: 288

Dimensions: 228 x 279 mm

Publication Date: 28-07-2023

The past did not happen in black and white. Discover people and places of the early 20th century through restored and enhanced imagery. The Colors of Life transports readers to people and places of the early 20th century through the lens of color photography. This compilation showcases over 200 photographs enhanced by Stuart Humphryes capturing people from various cultural backgrounds in their everyday lives, at leisure, and at work. With the use of color photography, these individuals and their stories come to life in a way that black-and-white photos simply cannot match. The book reminds us that color has the power to evoke personal and shared emotions that resonate across time. The Colors of Life is a captivating journey into the past, allowing readers to see and experience history in a new and vibrant light.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 240 x 300 mm

Publication Date: 30-08-2023

Discover the richness of contemporary creative culture from Ukraine with the best in interior design, architecture, art, photography, and fashion. In the last decade, Ukraine has emerged as a hotbed of contemporary creativity, showcasing impressive contributions in fields such as interior design, fashion, architecture, photography, and art. The young Ukrainian creatives blend traditional crafts, materials, and aesthetics with a modern, cosmopolitan outlook. Ukraine Rising is a book that celebrates the best of contemporary Ukrainian culture through compelling photography and insightful writing. It showcases the work of top creatives and features expert essays that offer a glimpse into the vibrant people, projects, and innovation the country has to offer. This collaboration with Ukrainian publisher Lucia Bondar is a testament to the creative spirit and energy of Ukrainians and a promise for a better future.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 272

Dimensions: 210 x 260 mm

Publication Date: 30-07-2023

Discover some of the most inspiring business, shops, and hospitality ideas changing the face of entrepreneurship. Exposé Discover outstanding businesses and the unique entrepreneurs who have brought them to life, from local Mescal producers to global food influencers. Dream Businesses showcases a diverse range of innovative entrepreneurs through photo-led features, providing readers with a glimpse into the extraordinary world of these businesses and the individuals who conceived them. In collaboration with Courier Media, this book takes you on a global journey, introducing a new generation that is changing the face of entrepreneurship.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 288

Dimensions: 225 x 290 mm

Publication Date: 30-08-2023