Great Tales from New Zealand History

An intriguing collection of tales plucked from the byways of New Zealand’s history by a master storyteller who recognises a good yarn when he sees it. Gordon McLauchlan tempts our imagination with 46 little-known tales from the past. Here you will discover:


- that Auckland applied twice to the Colonial Office to be a separate colony from the rest of New Zealand

- more about the man who wanted to be James Cook

- when drinking beer legally became an ‘art’ on the West Coast

- whether Kupe was man or myth

- how Hawera seceded and became a republic

- when and why the Americans planned to invade New Zealand

- which aviation heroine was called a ‘naughty girl who deserved a spanking’

- why a posse of politicians committed suicide . . . and more.


This great collection of tales explores these and many more questions and issues which have fascinated New Zealanders and filled many a page in many a history book over the years. Gordon McLauchlan brings a fresh perspective on some old and often vexed periods in New Zealand’s history.