Social/Environment/Political

What's life on the police beat like, really? Retired cop Bill O'Brien takes the readers into the daily work lives of members of the New Zealand Police Force, with gripping tales of being on duty in the various branches of the police, everything from the dog handlers to the Armed Defenders Squad and police dive teams. Aimed at a young adult audience but of huge interest to all New Zealanders, this highly illustrated book is a unique insight and also a tribute to the men and women who protect us.

From the best-selling author of The Seven Daughters of Eve, an illuminating guide to the genetic history of the British Isles. One of the world's leading geneticists, Bryan Sykes has helped thousands find their ancestry in the British Isles. Saxons, Vikings, and Celts, which resulted from a systematic ten-year DNA survey of more than 10,000 volunteers, traces the true genetic makeup of the British Isles and its descendants, taking readers from the Pontnewydd cave in North Wales to the resting place of "The Red Lady" of Paviland an... read more

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Antarctica – a frozen continent where unique wildlife, an extreme climate and amazing adventures are found. A strong New Zealand focus develops throughout coverage of the geography, animal and plant life, scientific research, history and issues of Antarctica. Over 250 colour and black and white photographs, maps and diagrams inspire awe and encourage greater understanding of Antarctica as its story unfolds. Awards - Chosen as one of the 10 best childrens non fiction titles in... read more

Psychology for a Better World is for people who believe it is worth trying to make a world in which both our species and the ecological systems we are part of can flourish.
The book is based on the latest research in psychology and is jam-packed with action strategies.It offers new ways to think about how people interact in social settings, why we are tempted to stick with what we know, and how the same characteristics that currently keep us hooked into unsustainable practices can be used to move us forward.
The final c... read more

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Everyone knows which is the world's highest mountain, but do you know which country banned chewing gum? Or what's the world's stinkiest fruit? Or who invented roller skates? Or which building leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Or where can you eat fried spiders as a snack?
Here at Lonely Planet we decided to make a book about the world's countries for children, not parents. The world is a very big place, and in The Not-for-Parents Travel Book we've concentrated on the really interesting bits to create a snapshot... read more

Our skin is our largest organ. We often think about how the things we put into our body effect us, but how much time do we take to consider how the things we put onto our body effect us? This timely book is packed full of helpful advice about how to make your own luxurious and beautiful soaps at home, using only the best natural ingredients. Not only are the soaps good for you, they look great and are wonderfully indulgent too. Sarah Ade begins by listing the natural ingredients available and their properties before describing how ... read more

This book will appeal to anyone with a love of cheese. The text covers every aspect of making cheese at home, from the tools and equipment needed and basic recipes to making more complex cheeses and advice on setting up a small cheese business. You do not need to be scientifically trained to make cheese, nor do you need to be an accomplished cook or possess expensive specialist equipment. Here Rita Ash shows just how simple the process is and how, with a little care and attention, anyone can produce delicious hand made cheeses at h... read more

In traditional Maori knowledge, the weather, birds, fish and trees, sun and moon are related to each other, and to the people of the land, the tangata whenua. It is truly an interconnected world - a vast family of which humans are children of the earth and sky, and cousins to all living things. In this richly illustrated book, Maori scholars and writers share the traditional knowledge passed down the generations by word of mouth. It provides a unique window on the relationship of the people of this land with their environment, as w... read more

Re-issue of this highly orginial, trailblazing book, first published in 2007, which caused quite a stir on first release The revisions are to the cover and first 17pp, and include an entirely rewritten preface that updates the reader on developments since first publication New Zealand is one of the most dynamic landscapes in the world.
The evidence is everywhere: soaring mountains, fiery volcanoes, grand fiords, brawling rivers and spectacular lakes. Plants and animals known nowhere else in the world have ... read more

Living off the Smell of an Oily Rag has been an outstanding success since it was first published in 1991. It's been reprinted seven times and has been published in serial form by some thirty publications throughout New Zealand. Presented in a down-to-earth and humorous style, the Newmans show that living off the smell of an oily rag is not about hardship or deprivation - it's about fun and creativity, and making the most of the abundance we have around us.

This record commemorates the last 125 years of St James by drawing heavily on the early historic publications of the anniversaries of 1934, 1959, 1984 and 2005 much of which is reprinted here. It brings the record up-to-date by commentary and appropriate additions. Fleeing Vesuvius is a practical and fundamentally optimistic book. Its 39 authors, all leading thinkers in their fields, take a hard look at many of the problems facing humanity and offer far-reaching solutions. Most of its contributors believe that the financial crisi... read more

While debates about the state of the global environment rage on many fronts, it is often hard to get a perspective on the dimensions of the challenges we face. Just how serious are our environmental problems? And are we doing enough to deal with them? How many people can the planet sustain? What are the long-term effects of continued environmental damage? How fast is the process of global warming? What are the implications of our continued dependence on fossil fuels? How much fresh water is available and how long will it last? T... read more

In this briefing, Dave Elliott establishes the basic sustainable energy options. However, his main aim is to look at potential problems ahead in the short, medium and long term, and deal with the counter-arguments. He looks at the UK wind farm issue and at some other examples, including the problems facing hydro power and waste combustion. The medium term example concerns a sustainable transport policy: whether we can develop a green energy system to meet that demand as well. The final example concerns the longer term limits of the... read more

Wild Law fuses politics, legal theory, quantum physics and ancient wisdom into a fascinating and eminently readable story. It is an inspiring and stimulating book for anyone who cares about Earth and is concerned about the direction in which the human species is moving.

Using the Power of Choice How can we help reduce our planet

Featuring 16 personal testimonies by those who have summed up the courage to transform violence in their lives, 'Unarmed Heroes' is an inspiration as well as a handbook for overcoming conflict. It features an accessible DIY section which shows, step-by-step, how anyone can learn the skills of resolving conflict.

In the face of serious social and environmental challenges, the Earth desperately needs people who actually live with the health of the planet as their highest goal. Yet what makes a person become a planetary citizen? Clearly, the issue is neither a lack of information nor of motivation. Most people already recognise the severity of the crisis we face and sincerely want to help resolve them. The key is to find a way beyond the feelings of overwhelm, guilt, fear and inertia that keep us paralysed. Earth Spirit Warrior provides such ... read more

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