BOOKS
Over recent years, I’ve been able to pursue writing nonfiction books, two with the support of publisher Robbie Burton, Potton & Burton Publishing.
Tamatea Dusky
The remarkable story of Fiordland's Dusky Sound
The story of conservation and history in Fiordland’s Tamatea/Dusky Sound. With a fascinating history, both Māori and European, this is the place where Captain Cook arrived in 1773. It is also where nature conservation began in New Zealand over 120 years ago, and where ground-breaking work in predator control and species conservation has taken place over the last 50 years.
Tamatea Dusky won the Heritage Award and New Zealand Mountain Book of the Year in June 2021.
Potton & Burton, 2020.
Beneath the Takitimus
A Hundred Years on Redcliff Station
The story of four generations of the Speight family descendants on Redcliff Station, south of Manapouri.
Against the backdrop of the challenges of high country farming over the last century, the story also tells of adventures in Fiordland, of a winning racehorse, a world record glider flight, and love stories, tragedies, and family relationships.
Private Commission, 2018.
A Place for the Heart
The life and work of Dave Comer, photographer and film location scout
The narrative telling of Dave’s work and life, much of it in Fiordland, is accompanied by his magnificent photography, images taken over the course of 40 years.
Potton & Burton, 2017 (out of print.)
Purchase a copy of Tamatea Dusky.
Feedback on Tamatea Dusky:
‘It is truely fantastic. A balanced read that genuinely captures the essence of the place including the people.’
‘It is such a beautiful book and you truly have written a remarkable story of Fiordland’s Dusky Sound.’
‘11 out of 10.’
‘It is certainly not often that I enjoy a book as much as I did this one. Found it hard to put down.’
‘The images and layout are gorgeous, and the writing is even better. The chapters flow with an engaging cadence, with each chapter neatly linked to the next, and full of detail about personalities and politics that is largely missing from more formal histories.’
‘Peta has done New Zealand a real service in documenting Dusky Sound, a wonderful book.’