About "New Zealand's Rivers: An Environmental History"
New Zealand’s Rivers: An environmental history explores the relationship between New Zealanders and our rivers, explaining how we have arrived at a crisis point, where fresh water has become our most contested resource and many rivers are too polluted to swim in.
Thoroughly researched and richly illustrated, New Zealand’s Rivers is an accessible and compelling read for all New Zealanders, including anglers, kayakers, farmers, environmental practitioners, policy-makers, students and anyone with an interest in our environment and history.
What people are saying about New Zealand's Rivers
'New Zealand's Rivers: An environmental history, far from adding to the noise, is a peaceful eddy to sit back in and contemplate the big picture' Backcountry Magazine [read full review here]
'A thought-provoking and important book.' New Zealand Herald
‘... an important book that should be read by all New Zealanders interested in the future of the country ...’ Professor Tom Brooking, University of Otago
‘... informs a New Zealand response to a world concern for the natural freshwater environs: what they were, are now and how they should be for our successors.’ Sir Taihakurei Durie, Chair, New Zealand Māori Council
"I was given your book for Christmas and absolutely loved it - excellent work. Grew up in flood prone Greymouth (the great Mawhera river), have lived in Whanganui for 30 years AND was evacuated as a kid in Wyndham from a flood (Mataura) caused by the 'Wahine storm'. This should be a MUST READ for any NZ policy maker. Cheers for doing the hard yards required to bring this to publication." Paul, Whanganui
"Wonderful book - I just finished reading your new book on the environmental history of NZ rivers. It's wonderful! I found it fascinating, and so full of information - yet still a lovely read. Thank you." James, Wellington.
"Your brilliant book - I just want to congratulate you on your brilliant, beautiful and very informative book “New Zealand ‘s Rivers – An environmental history”... Great reading!!! Stan, Paekakariki
"Great book - I’ve just finished your book … what a treat – beautifully written and so, so interesting." Kate, Wellington
New Zealand's Rivers in the media
(click link to read article or listen to audio)
New book an environmental history of NZ rivers - media release, 18 October 2016
'Muddied waters' - An environmental history of our rivers is a reminder that few still have even limited protection. Essay/book review by David Young in The Listener, 7-13 January, 2017.
The Listener's Best Books for 2016 (Nature, science and environment category), 22 November, 2016.
New Zealand's Rivers is long-listed for the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards 2017
'Rivers are not machines' - The Press, The Dominion Post, Southland Times, Taranaki Herald etc, 2 December 2016
A region's artery tells its own story, The Manawatu Standard, 18 November, 2016
Kapiti author Catherine Knight produces book on history of New Zealand rivers, Dominion Post, Kapiti Observer, 17 October 2016.
Environmental history of rivers, The New Zealand Herald, Kapiti News, Horowhenua Chronicle, 2 December 2016
The state of rivers in Aotearoa New Zealand - an interview with Catherine Knight, Intercom, 3 November 2016
How history has shaped rivers, Manawatu Guardian, 16 February 2017
Catherine Knight, Booksellers website, 26 October 2016
Catherine Knight - New Zealand Rivers, RadioLIVE 3 December 2016 (audio)
New Zealand Rivers - Catherine Knight, RDU 98.5 FM, 6 December 2016 (audio)
New Zealand's Rivers, The Wire 95bFM, 10 November 2016 (audio)
The history of NZ's rivers, Nine to Noon, RNZ, 1 February 2017 (audio)