Hastings: A boy's own adventure

by Dick Frizzell

A charming memoir of a Kiwi childhood in the 1950s and 60s.In Hastings, Dick Frizzell, one of New Zealand's best-known painters, shares a nostalgic look at his hometown and the simpler times of his youth. From the local landmarks of Sylvan Road and Windsor Park to the bustling Tomoana Freezing Works, Frizzell paints a vivid picture of a small-town world on the cusp of change.

This is a story for those who cherish memories of growing up, appreciate New Zealand history, and enjoy a good laugh. Frizzell's humorous anecdotes and keen observations capture the essence of a bygone era, making it a heartwarming read for anyone who longs for a taste of the past.

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2025

About the author

Richard John Frizzell MNZM (born 1943) is a New Zealand artist & author.

Frizzell's best-known work uses as its base the "Four Square man", an advertising character for the Four Square grocery chain.

Reviews

[Daniel Headifen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Almost my home town. I’d heard about caves at Te Mata peak, and possibly as cavernous as he writes about, but in probably a thousand visits, I’ve never seen them. We visited the freezing works and Watties for school trips so lots of memories. Xmas present brought, I think, from Ōtaki bookstore

[Carol Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rollicking memoir of life in Hastings, New Zealand as a young person in the 1950s and 1960s. Frizzell's writing is hilarious and if you are of a certain vintage you will recognise and appreciate many of the situations described. The book does give some insight into Frizzell's development as an artist, but it is mainly about the trials and tribulations - as well as the joys- of growing up.