

Beyond Manapouri
Since my interview with Kathryn Ryan on RNZ yesterday, I have been inundated by inquiries about my new book Beyond Manapouri: 50 years of...


Our rivers: reflecting on the past
Earlier this evening I got a call out of the blue from a nice young reporter from Newshub, keen to interview me for their morning show on...


'Playing god' - 1837 and 2017
Decisions made by men more than a century and a half ago led to me facing an unpleasant ethical dilemma a few days ago. That is, should I...


The costs of our love affair with detached houses and cars - 1981 report
Last month, the OECD's most recent report on New Zealand's environmental 'performance' was released. This is the fourth OECD report on...


"Ravaged Beauty" wins prestigious Sherrard Award
Last week I learned that my first book, Ravaged Beauty: An environmental history of the Manawatu, has won the major award (sole winner)...


Geomentality: seeing the world in different ways
Recently I attended a hui to discuss landscape assessment in New Zealand. The discussion turned to the view of "landscape" from a te ao...


The narrowing 'margin for environmental miscalculation'
I feel compelled to share more gleanings from Lynton Caldwell - I am simply astounded by how strongly his ruminations still resonate...


'Public interest' = political power?
I have been reading an article by American professor of government, Lynton Caldwell. The article, published in 1963, is thought to be the...


Ravaged Beauty should be 'mandatory reading'
"The book should be mandatory for local body politicians, and planners, plus teachers and students of agriculture, geography, history and...


What's the number 1 feedback about New Zealand's Rivers?
I have had really amazing feedback from people who have read New Zealand's Rivers. I thank every one of you who has taken the time to get...



















