"I paint for myself. That's the only way. For when you paint to please it's not the honest thing and inhibits the chances of discovery, because there's no point in writing or painting unless you make your own discoveries." Olivia Spencer Bower wrote those words near the end of an almost six-decade career as one of New Zealand's finest and best-loved artists. Born in England, she initially came to New Zealand reluctantly but learned to call this country home and to cherish its landscape, particularly in the South Island. She was a superb watercolourist, but worked in a wide variety of media and was always keen to experiment and remained open to new ideas. Outwardly sociable, hospitable and colourful, the friend of artists from Rita Angus to Colin McCahon, she remained a private, thoughtful person. Her conviction that artists should have the freedom and opportunity to make their own discoveries led to the establishment of her art award, an ongoing legacy to subsequent generations in New Zealand. In this, the first book to consider Olivia Spencer Bower's life and work, art historian Julie King offers, through a lively and impeccably researched text and a selection of watercolours, paintings, drawings, prints and illustrations, a superb evocation of one of the most engaging and vital artists this country has produced.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 208

Dimensions: 240 x 265 mm

Publication Date: 01-12-2015

The New Zealand Property Guide is a great resource for both those considering property for the first time and those that have been investing for a while. There are many things that help an investor increase their chances of success. This practical hype-free book is full of information that will help you understand: Why property is such a great investment How property makes money for you The mindset you need to be successful How to set clear goals The various property strategies and how they each may work for you The ins and outs of tax and structures The risks involved and how to mitigate them How leverage works and how you fund your investments The legal process and what due diligence you need to do How to manage your property to ensure you get great long term results And most importantly how to understand the numbers and maximise the profits you can make The New Zealand Property Guide also has real life stories from ten very different property investors including: How and why they got started What worked for them and what didn't What they did Their advise to others

Bind: paperback

Pages: 213

Dimensions: 150 x 225 mm

Publication Date: 01-09-2015

The Middle East is a region steeped in history that has seen the rise and fall of great civilisations and empires over thousands of years. For certain periods of time it has known peace, but today it is engulfed in conflict - a blood-soaked battleground where nations and armed groups fight for control of land, people, and natural resources. But what are the root causes of the seemingly intractable problems and disputes fuelling wars that have cost hundreds of thousands of lives and produced millions of displaced citizens and homeless refugees? Who is really to blame for the region's descent into a nightmare scenario of killing and destruction? Is there any solution, and what are the implications for the countries beyond in Europe and North Africa? A Dangerous World addresses these questions by examining each of the countries playing a significant role in the geopolitical chess game that today's Middle East has become, and reveals in fascinating detail their present and likely future contribution to the events unfolding in this increasingly unstable meeting point between east and west.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 860

Dimensions: 153 x 235 mm

Publication Date: 30-10-2015

Randall Grange has been tricked into admitting herself into a treatment centre and she doesn t know why. She's not a party hound like the others in her therapy group - but then again, she knows she can't live without pills or booze. Raised by an alcoholic father, a detached mother, and a loving aunt and uncle, Randall is a misfit who both loves and hates her life. Introduced as a child to the miraculous effects of booze and drugs and a regular user by age fifteen, her young adult years have been filled with bad choices. By the time she s twenty-three years old, she s a full-blown drug addict- and in more trouble than she's ever known was possible. Now Randall has to decide: Keep going the way she's going, or start a new life? Alternately heartbreaking and hilarious, How To Grow An Addict is a compelling coming-of-age story about a young woman's descent into addiction - and her struggle for redemption. J.A. Wright was raised in the Pacific Northwest and moved to New Zealand in 1990. In addition to working as a festival producer, she's been crafting this novel for the past decade

Bind: paperback

Pages: 295

Dimensions: 140 x 218 mm

Publication Date: 01-09-2015

Perching on the porcelain can be very boring when you have nothing to do but poo. But fear no more, as Hugh Jassburn, in a phase of no-bowel-movement-drudgery, has put together a compendium of entertaining activities and informative fun that will make you want to stay put.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 112

Dimensions: 146 x 146 mm

Publication Date: 07-10-2013

Make use of those dull moments on the lav by teaching yourself how a starfish eats a clam, how to say ‘Hello’ in every European language and what the dot over an i is called. Covering all types of trivia, from science and natural history to the different types of moustache, this little book contains enough fascinating facts to keep you learning throughout the year.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 112

Dimensions: 146 x 146 mm

Publication Date: 08-10-2015

The selfie craze has finally reached the animal kingdom! From the sublime to the ridiculous, this book collects the best photos of creatures great and small who have taken their love of a good picture into their own claws, flippers and hooves.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 96

Dimensions: 146 x 146 mm

Publication Date: 08-10-2015

Shock. Horror. Pain. Fear. These are the emotions every animal feels when they see a human naked. This book exposes the effects of our wanton behaviour and reveals the true feelings our furry (and feathered) friends can no longer hide

Bind: hardback

Pages: 96

Dimensions: 146 x 146 mm

Publication Date: 12-10-2015

There’s GOOD SHIT and there’s BAD SHIT. Whatever kind of shit’s happening in your world, this journal will help you get through it. Scribble away your stress, ink your indecision and transcribe your triumphs – whatever it takes to get you through life’s many little up and downs!

Bind: paperback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 132 x 182 mm

Publication Date: 01-09-2015

Need a place to store all those moments, ideas and experiences, both crazy and everyday? Fill this journal with memories to create a record of who you are and what makes you tick. Download your brain into MEMORY STICK! A scrapbook of thoughts, happenings, hurrahs, ideas and conversations.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 148 x 208 mm

Publication Date: 01-09-2015