History & Heritage

The Amazing World of James Hector: Explorer, Geologist, Botanist, Natural Historian, Surgeon - and One of New Zealand Science's Most Remarkable Figures
The Amazing World of James Hector: Explorer, Geologist, Botanist, Natural Historian, Surgeon - and One of New Zealand Science's Most Remarkable Figures edited by Simon Nathan
James Hector arrived in New Zealand in 1861 and within a few years had founded all the country's leading scientific bodies, including the national museum (now Te Papa), the New Zealand Institute (now the Royal Society) and the Geological Survey (now GNS Science).

A man of seemingly unbounded energy and interests, at various times he was also responsible for the Met Department, Colonial Observatory, Wellington Botanic Garden and Patent Office library.

In these superb essays, scientists, historians and Hector's descendants tell the fascinating story of Hector's life and work.


The Selling of New Zealand Movies
The Selling of New Zealand Moviesby Lindsay Shelton
From Goodbye Pork Pie to The Lord Of The Rings - here, for the first time, is the fascinating inside story of the deal-making, shrewd moves and sheer luck that - in just a few years - took New Zealand films from obscurity to the top of the world.

'The New Zealand film industry is one of the wonders of the world - an unparalleled success story with directors and stars of international reputation'
AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE