100 New Zealand Pop Culture Stories

from Billy T to Nuclear Free

Mitchell Hawkes

Random House - $27

“Pop culture is a feeling. It’s a vibe. It is literally the heart of the country beating.” – Rhys Darby


What or who is it that Kiwis love the most? Is it the heart-stirring haka? Our nuclear-free status? Judy Bailey or Rachel Hunter? Peter Jackson or Billy T James?

100 New Zealand Pop Culture Stories counts down the passions, fashions, crazes and famous faces that have made the most seminal and enduring moments of the lighter side of life in New Zealand.
My favourites were the pieces on Patricia Bartlett,(who used to come into our bookshop in Napier often and always made me feel a little nervous!), Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy, Hudson & Halls, Margaret Mahy, and Buck Shelford.

A specially written introduction from funnyman Rhys Darby, who fronted the television show which the book is based upon, sets the tone of celebrating all things quintessentially Kiwi.

100 New Zealand Pop Culture Stories is also supplemented by quotes from the people who were making the moments like Dave Dobbyn, John Clarke, Judy Bailey and Suzanne Paul, as well as reminiscences from famous folk who grew up with these culture-defining stories, like Dai Henwood, Oscar Kightley, Ben Hurley and Samantha Hayes. Deliberately drawing on stories from the past 35 years, you won’t find jandals or jaffas in this book, but you will find Radio with Pictures, Bluelight Discos, Jonah Lomu and Georgie Pie.

Based on the highly rated C4 TV series, which Kiwis tuned into in droves, the book digs deeper and searches wider to gather together these moments from the fields of sports, music and entertainment, as well as looking to ads, catchphrases, iconic New Zealanders and Maori culture. These are great stories which are well told and illustrated with classic images. I reckon this is the ultimate stocking-stuffer.

About the author/compiler:
After completing his law degree, Mitchell Hawkes decided a career in television was more to his taste. Now, he is an award-winning director, with projects including both series of Rocked the Nation.

Mitchell has specialised in youth and music television: from Ice TV to What Now. He has directed the New Zealand Music Awards for the last decade as well as directing One News, Holmes and many documentary series and concerts.