A Short History of New Zealand - New Edition

Bateman : January 2014, RRP $29.99              

A new edition of the best-selling short history of New Zealand, updated to include the Helen Clark years, the rise of John Key, the Christchurch earthquakes and the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

A Short History of New Zealand is updated, redesigned and features new photographs, with the addition of a selected further reading list. This is a lively and accessible history written by one of our most well-known commentators on matters past and present. This popular New Zealand history introduces our country’s story to general readers and students.


‘I was challenged to write a history in fewer than 60,000 words by Christopher Hibbert’s short history of England in even fewer. This is a personal narrative but, I believe, accurate and up-to-date. My sincere hope is that I stimulate an interest in readers which will encourage them to read longer and more detailed books on the people and events that have formed us as modern New Zealanders of all ethnic origins.’ Gordon MacLauchlan

About the author:

Gordon McLauchlan is a well-known journalist, author and social commentator. He is a seasoned media commentator not afraid to speak his mind. 
His previous books include: The Line that Dares - A History of the Union Steam Ship Company (1987); A History of New Zealand Humour (1988); The Story of New Zealand Beer (1995); A Life’s Sentences – A Memoir (2004); Great Tales From New Zealand History (2005, reprinted in 2008); A Short Short History of New Zealand (2005, reprinted 2007); The Life and Times of Auckland (2008); The Saltwater Highway: The Story of Ports and Shipping in New Zealand (2012); and The Passionless People (2012). He was also editor-in-chief of The New Zealand Encyclopaedia (Bateman, 1984, revised 1987, 1991, 1995) for ten years.