Fascinating new NZ Series book details the history of animals in Aotearoa

The NZ Series 

Wild Life

An Animal History of Aotearoa

Philippa Werry

Entertaining account of New Zealand as lived by the animals broadens the wing span of The NZ Series 

Humans reached New Zealand about 1000 years ago, at which point animals had been here for several hundred million years. 

How was life before and after Māori and European arrival? What is unique about our species, how have they adapted over time and what is their future in a time of climate change? 

 

Award-winning author Philippa Werry takes the story back to Gondwanaland, looking at dinosaur life, the amazing tuatara, species evolutions over time and some of those that didn’t manage to survive, like the Haast’s eagle and huia. 

Coming to the modern era, the book surveys all aspects of animal life — from introduced pests, livestock and domestic pets to conservation efforts, zoos and animal celebrities like Shrek the sheep and Phar Lap.

This colourful ninth book in The NZ Series follows The Treaty of Waitangi, winner of the Margaret Mahy Supreme Book of the Year prize at the 2025 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

 

A free Teacher Resource for the book is available here.

The author

Philippa Werry is a writer of non-fiction and fiction for young readers. She has won numerous awards, including the Young Adult Fiction Award at the 2023 NZYCA Awards for her novel Iris and Me, and is well known for books on New Zealand society, including The NZ Series title New Zealand Migration (2023). She lives in Wellington (www.philippawerry.co.nz).

Publication: 10 February 2026  |  ISBN: 978-1-99-004298-0  |  RRP $29.99

Paperback, 240 x 160 mm portrait, 100 pages, colour

 

The Treaty of Waitangi — everything you need to know

The Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Ross Calman

Highly topical addition to The NZ Series spans the past, present and future implications of the Treaty of Waitangi 

With The Treaty of Waitangi headlining political news in recent months, understanding its meaning and history has never been more important.  

 

In this engaging addition to The NZ Series, author and editor Ross Calman demystifies Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and unravels its complexities — offering a fresh, well-rounded perspective.

 

Opening by exploring the context for the treaty’s drafting, Calman tracks its signing around the country, and then delves deep into the text and translation that caused so much contention in the following years.

By exploring the political role that the Treaty has played, through to the formation of the Waitangi Tribunal and recent protests, The Treaty of Waitangi goes beyond history to offer a lens on today’s society.

Using extensive photos, fact boxes and quotes, the book views New Zealand’s founding document from a range of modern perspectives. It touches on the Treaty’s role in popular culture, treaty settlements, and the debate and promise of reconciliation it inspires.

It brings the Treaty story up to the present day with consideration of the highly controversial Treaty Principles Bill now before Parliament.

This eighth book in The NZ Series — a non-fiction resource for general readers and schools that introduces complex subjects in concise terms — publishes in time for Waitangi Day 2025. 

The author

Courtesy Auckland Libraries

Ross Calman (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa, Kāi Tahu) is a distinguished author and editor who has written widely on the Treaty of Waitangi and the New Zealand Wars. With Oratia Books his works include He Atua, He Tangata: The World of Māori Mythology and Favourite Māori Legends. He lives in Ōtautahi/Christchurch.

Publication: 21 January 2025  |  ISBN: 978-1-99-004277-5 | RRP $29.99

Paperback, 240 x 160 mm portrait, 100 pages, colour