Kiwi Country: Rural New Zealand in 100 objects

by Te Radar, Ruth Spencer

An entertaining history of rural life in Aotearoa, told through artefacts, gadgets and ephemera that tell a story that goes deeper than the objects themselves.


The most fun you'll ever have learning about rural life in New Zealand. Told through a varied selection of items from the everyday (apples, Red Band gumboots, milk tankers and ride-on mowers) to the weird and wacky (Godfrey Bowen's pink Long Johns, the Waimate White Horse and wartime tanks made from converted tractors) this book has something to make everyone laugh and to help anyone win the local pub quiz. Find out about historic times and places that shaped our nation and enjoy the nostalgia of looking back at past objects like the meat safe, the mangle and the classic Kiwi dunny. Told with Te Radar's trademark laconic Kiwi humour, each story will surprise you as a picture builds that is so much more than the sum of the parts.

Audible Audio

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Anna B]

I read this book during my sabbatical in New Zealand. It helped me connect with everyday objects and the surrounding rural history in a way no museum visit ever could.

Reading it changed how I noticed things on my hikes as well. I began paying closer attention to corrugated iron verandas, food packaging, fences, bridges and letterboxes. I learned a lot about local food and didn’t hesitate to try things I might’ve passed by such as tamarillo chutney or reduced cream.

[Jess]

very interesting history and yarns about iconic rural nz

[Stephen Gallagher]

This book is actually so informative. I learnt a lot reading it. Charismatic and easy to read.