Arohanui: My Aotearoa New Zealand, compiled by Rosemary Hepozden

A love letter to Aotearoa, this fascinating book celebrates what makes New Zealand great, but also the things we can do better. More than 100 individuals share their thoughts and observations. People from all walks of life, including well-known people like Miriama Kamo, Sir John Kirwan, Michelle A’Court, Karen O’Leary, Ruby Jones, Sam Neill and Sir Ashley Bloomfield, provide a unique snapshot of our nation.

Each person’s story is accompanied by a photograph, and the book is designed to be dipped into rather than read from beginning to end.

There is so much to enjoy in this book, from chef Peter Gordon revealing that the classic Kiwi thing he loves the most is his mother’s pavlova, to Wendy McGuinness always travelling overseas with a piece of pounamu that she rubs to keep home close. Sir Ashley Bloomfield talks about us demonstrating that we are kind, not just to people we know, but to people we don’t know. Actor Harlan Hung is proud to have a New Zealand passport because he is grateful for our breathtaking landscape. So much of this book reminds me of what I love about our nation.

In my view, Sam Neill, sums up what resonates for me about what it is to be a New Zealander, in three words: ‘Quiet. Ordinary. Decent.’

But there is also discussion about the things that aren’t quite right.  Julie Chapman, CEO of Kidscan, rightly points out that ‘New Zealand can’t be a truly great country unless every child has what they need to thrive.’  Masterchef winner Sam Low is brought down when people assume he’s not from New Zealand because of the colour of his skin, despite Aotearoa being so multi-cultural. Sam Johnson says we ‘should be more selfish, put ourselves first and be more aggressive and commercial about making this the best country in the world.’

Kevin Chapman, the director of Upstart Press, has spearheaded this project, and he has succeeded in publishing a book that will start many conversations, to reflect on what really matters to us in Aotearoa New Zealand. Different stories will resonate with many people. Arohanui is certainly a book to read and reflect on, with its many and varied points of view.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

White Cloud Books from Upstart Press