NEW ZEALAND’S LOST HERITAGE - The stories behind our forgotten landmarks

New Zealand has a disappointing record of preserving our oldest and proudest buildings. In this  book well  known historian Richard Wolfe features 20 notable structures which, for various reasons,  no longer exist.   Most of the buildings have been demolished in the name of urban development, creating controversy and representing a damning indictment of this country’s sense of heritage.  Each building is illustrated  and discussed, including the circumstances of its demise. The  selection includes: Ruapekapeka pa in Northland (burned down deliberately), Admiralty House in Auckland (demolished to make way for new  roads) Wellington’s Parliament Buildings  (accidental fire) Invercargill’s Seacliff Asylum (fire), TJ Edmonds landmark factory (bulldozed).  What emerges is a fascinating social and historical narrative that sheds light on parts of New  Zealand’s cultural history and reveals the truth of the old adage  that history repeats.   Wolfe’s emphasis on the significance of lost architecture presents a powerful appeal for  preservation of the important works that remain. About the author

Richard Wolfe is a well known and accomplished social historian   and author of over 20 books, across a wide  span of non-fiction  subjects from history to art and culture. He lives in Auckland and works  as a freelance researcher and writer. NEW ZEALAND’S LOST HERITAGE -   The stories behind our forgotten landmarks New Holland - Hardback - $49.99