Our culture of criticism
Last time I wrote about New Zealand's 'tall poppy syndrome', and our propensity to cut ourselves down before others get the chance. Here...
The tall poppy syndrome - how achievers cut themselves down
The tall poppy syndrome is a phenomenon where high-achievers are attacked or resented for their success - New Zealand is particularly...
The secret to happiness
Who knew? The secret to happiness is going running with your friends in a gorilla suit. I have become very interested in personal...
Brunner coal mine - holiday destination?
This is a photo of the mining settlement of Brunner, perched on the side of the Grey River, on the West Coast of the South Island. The...
Why the BA is the degree of the future
Is the Bachelor of the Arts (BA) threatened with extinction? Not according to Prof. Paul Spoonley, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Massey...
Totara Reserve: from exploitation to conservation
My adventure into the world of environmental history began in earnest with my exploration of the history of a forest reserve in the...
Finding your shrine in the landscape
I have just been re-reading Eleanor Catton's short essay 'The Land of the Long White Cloud', in Tell you what: Great New Zealand...
Can environmental history bring hope?
I first posted this in November 2015. It is so relevant to the book I have been writing about rivers, so am reposting. I was fortunate to...
Language as a window to different worlds
Recently my son and I went to a talk by Tina Makereti, a local author who has earned international acclaim for her writing. I have to...
History is made! (in our garden)
Today, while sitting in my office at home, I had the pleasure of hearing (and seeing) not one but two bellbirds. They were clearly having...
