Rivers : New Zealand's Shared Legacy

A most attractive hardback about New Zealand’s major rivers, illustrating their beauty, their history — and the perils many face in the future, Rivers: New Zealand’s shared legacy recognises the importance of our rivers in all their power, tranquillity and fragility. 

Rivers tells the often complex story of each river or river system, touching on issues of history, ecology, hydrology and quality. It also examines the situation for our rivers today – looking at what has happened to our rivers over recent years and what is happening today, as well as assessing the challenges our waterways face now and in the future. As well as being a celebration of our beautiful rivers, it also focuses on conservation aspects, with commentary on dairying pollution, ecology, conservation orders and Maori claims.

I like this wonderful shot of the Waipaoa River taken outside Gisborne my old home town..

And a very different shot below of recreational use of our rivers - A kayaker in testing water below Murchison.

The book is prolifically illustrated with wonderful photographs by Aliscia Young, daughter of the author and a talented professional photographer in her own right. There are also maps of the various river systems and historic black & white photos.

Rivers
by David Young
Random House NZ Hardback - $59.99