Accessible Library

Winner of the 2023 Ockham Book Awards for General Non-Fiction, The English Text of The Treaty of Waitangi is both an extraordinary work of scholarship and an engaging story, well told. Expertly narrated by John Leigh, this outstanding book poses the question as to how the English text of the Treaty was understood by the British in 1840 and emphasizes that the original drafting by British officials cannot be separated from the wider circumstances of that time. While Fletcher proves that the English text intended Māori to have continuing rights to self-government (rangatiratanga) and ownership of their lands, the original understanding was lost in the face of powerful forces in the British Empire post-1840, with increased hostility and intolerance towards indigenous people. This magnificent book enriches our understanding of the original purpose and vision of the Treaty of Waitangi. Read by John Leigh in 46 hours, 24 minutes

Nothing in Stan Andino’s unremarkable life could prepare him for the day he discovers his wife in the living room, naked except for a black apron, bleaching out a stain in the carpet that only she can see. A CT scan one week later explains the seemingly inexplicable; Carmen Andino has a brain tumour. As Stan and their teenage sons grapple with the diagnosis and frightening personality changes in their wife and mother, Austin Lamb, close friend and local doctor, does everything possible to assist the family in crisis. Read by Janice Finn in 9 hours, 58 minutes. RNZFB.

'Look in the water, Ma! Golly, oh gee! Some THING in the sea is TOUCHING ME! 'You'll squawk, screech, yelp... and laugh out loud at the surprises for all on this funny-sunny family day at the beach. When a small child goes to the seaside with her Mum and Ma, she is unprepared for 'things' floating in the water. Ma explains what each one is and that it is nothing to be afraid of... then gets a big fright herself when Mum grabs her ankle. Read by Rex Duis in 20 minutes.