New Zealand And The Sea

As a group of islands in the far south-west Pacific Ocean, New Zealand has a history that is steeped in the sea. Its people have encountered the sea in many different ways: along the coast, in port, on ships, beneath the waves, behind a camera, and in the realm of the imagination. While New Zealanders have continually altered their marine environments, the ocean, too, has influenced their lives. A multi-disciplinary work encompassing history, marine science, archaeology and visual culture, New Zealand and the Sea explores New Zealand’s varied relationship with the sea, challenging the conventional view that history unfolds on land. Leading and emerging scholars highlight the dynamic, ocean-centred history of these islands and their inhabitants, offering fascinating new perspectives on New Zealand’s pasts. ‘The ocean has profoundly shaped culture across this narrow archipelago . . . The meeting of land and sea is central in historical accounts of Polynesian discovery and colonisation; European exploratory voyaging; sealing, whaling and the littoral communities that supported these plural occupations; and the mass migrant passage from Britain.’ – Frances Steel

It strikes me with great clarity that if you look at the problems in isolation they each seem intractable; but when you grasp that there could be one single solution, then suddenly there is a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. The state of New Zealand’s freshwater has become a pressing public issue in recent years. From across the political spectrum, concern is growing about the pollution of New Zealand’s rivers and streams. We all know they need fixing. But how do we do it? In Mountains to Sea, leading ecologist Mike Joy teams up with thinkers from all walks of life to consider how we can solve New Zealand’s freshwater crisis. The book covers a wide range of topics, including food production, public health, economics and Māori narratives of water. Mountains to Sea offers new perspectives on this urgent problem. Contributors Mike Joy; Tina Ngata; Nick Kim; Vanessa Hammond; Alison Dewes; Paul Tapsell, Peter Fraser; Kyleisha Foote; Catherine Knight; Steve Carden; Phil McKenzie; Chris Perley.

As a group of islands in the far south-west Pacific Ocean, New Zealand's history is steeped in the sea. Its people have encountered the sea in many different ways: along the coast, in port, on ships, beneath the waves, behind a camera, and in the realm of the imagination. While they have continually shaped and altered their marine environments, the ocean, too, has shaped their lives. A multi-disciplinary work encompassing history, marine science, archaeology and visual culture, New Zealand and the Sea explores New Zealand's varied relationship with the sea, challenging the conventional view that history unfolds on land. Leading and emerging scholars highlight the dynamic, ocean-centred history of these islands and their inhabitants, offering fascinating new perspectives on New Zealand's pasts.

Our seas are literally rising, but under the surface of our politics too, something is also happening. Everywhere there is a growing mood for change, increasing unease and greater efforts to live more sustainably. World leaders and scientists agree that climate change is real, and around the world we can see its effects. Yet despite the scientific and political agreement, meaningful action by governments eludes us. Bronwyn Hayward tackles this inertia head-on. In Sea Change, she argues that our best hope of combating climate change lies in people-driven climate action. She shows how to reclaim our status as political actors and come together to work towards social and climate justice.

A BOOK FOR ALL NEW ZEALANDERS WHO FEEL CONNECTED TO THE SEA. This year New Zealands National Maritime Museum will be in the thick of the action when the Americas Cup defence comes to Auckland. This beautiful book, photographed by Jane Ussher, surveys its collection and explores New Zealandmaritime history through 100 fascinating and wide-ranging objects. From shipbuilding tools and Peter Blakes first trophy, to menu cards from the glory days of ocean liners and exquisite model ships, its the perfect book for all who love the sea, boats and ships, and all else that sails on the water.

Under the Ocean introduces young children to the creatures that live in the seas around New Zealand. The book describes different habitats: underwater reefs, the sea floor, the open ocean and the deep ocean. Animals featured in the fact pages include octopus and squid, sharks and rays, whales, dolphins, penguins and many others. Under the Ocean is the third volume in the Explore and Discover series, following Gillian Candler and Ned Barraud's best-selling At the Beach, which was a finalist in the non-fiction section of the New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards, and the popular title In the Garden. Under the Ocean was written in response to children's requests to have a book that included sea creatures such as sharks, octopus and giant squid. Although children can't explore the sea first hand in the way they can explore a garden or the beach, they are fascinated by the amazing creatures that live in the ocean.

On a beach clean-up, thirteen-year-old one-legged Charlie and his half-brother, Robbie, find a ponaturi – a mermaid – washed up on a beach. An ancient grudge between the Māori gods Tāne and Tangaroa has flared up because a port being built in the bay is degrading the ocean and creatures are fleeing the sea. This has reignited anger between the gods, which breaks out in storms, earthquakes and huge seas. The human world and realm of the gods are thrown into chaos. The ponaturi believes Charlie is the only one who can stop the destruction because his stump is a sign that he straddles both worlds. So begins Charlie’s journey to find a way to reunite the gods, realise the power in the ancient songs his grandfather taught him, and discover why he was the one for the task.