Be Brave: The Life of a Pacific Correspondent

by Barbara Dreaver BA

296 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2026

Reviews

[Anne Herbison]

This is a wonderful memoir: revelatory, heart-breaking, admirable, awe-inspiring. Many of the stories from the Pacific are familiar (probably because of Dreaver's reporting) but put together like this they become powerful and urgent, covering climate change, geopolitics, drugs, corruption and, overall, the importance of continuing, sustained co-operation among Pacific neighbours. I also enjoyed learning about how news stories are transmitted in often difficult and remote situations, and the supportive community of journalists and their camaraderie and their commitment to bringing the stories to light.

[Julie]

3.5 but rounding down.

Growing up watching Barbara Dreaver on the news basically all my life, I found this an interesting red to see behind the lens of some of the most well-known moments in Pasifika history. It was informative read that covers a lot of not only important race relations but also the economy and socio-political issues that have faced the Pacific nations over the past few decades. Worth a read if journalism or Pasfika are of interest to you.

[Jim Cooke]

I enjoyed a number of the chapters in this book, and I am full of admiration for Barbara Dreaver’s courage and resourcefulness as a foreign correspondent. However I felt the book lacked ‘tension’. It read like a number of seperate topic-based essays and that there was no particular reason for the order of the chapters. Having said that, i found the authors style warm, genuine, and easy to read.

[Louise]

I am ashamed to say I had completely underestimated Barbara Dreaver, but this book certainly made me rethink things. Her stories are brief, factual and let you see what goes on behind the scenes. Her knowledge of the Pacific forum is extensive .

[Carol Griffiths]

A great read for anyone living in the Pacific region. Barbara Dreaver's memoir of her adventures reporting on Pacific events is fascinating, sometimes hilarious and sometimes quite shocking. She shows empathy for the victims of tragedy and fury towards the perpetrators of corruption.

[Julie Daymond-King]

Being brave is not hard for this author whose career so far is extraordinary.

[Judy Murray]

I couldn't put it down. Very interesting to read about her life as a correspondent. Somewhat alarming to read more about things in the Pacific Islands that are still happening in this day and age.

[Prue Kennard]

Lent to me by Robin M, but not in large print so a skimmed a fair bit. But hugely impressive account of B D"s life as Pacific Correspondent for TVNZ. She well deserved her NY Honour!!

[Coralie Mae]

This was a really interesting read, both about Barbara's career and various events in the Pacific. She is clearly a tenacious and talented journalist.

[Lena]

I absolutely loved reading this book. It was both educational and entertaining and special mention to a good photo section, something I always appreciate in a memoir.

[Jojo Wilson]

3.5 but rounding up.

I haven't had a TV for the last 15 years, yet Barbara Dreaver's face is etched in my mind. Growing up in Aotearoa, she's been a constant on all things Pasific & Pacifika.
The book was interesting and gave an indepth look into many things I was aware of but, maybe at the time I didn't appreciate as deeply as I should have.
That in itself makes this book worth a read for anyone from this part of the world.
I did lose enthusiasm a little midway as the reading felt like a bit of a chore but it returned and I'm glad I persisted. Maybe because the chapters whizzed around in no particular order and at times I felt her writing a little self-indulgent.
In saying that, Barbara is a passionate and tenacious reporter who believes in good and will put herself at risk to get the true story. She does what it takes to get answers and challenge those with questionable ethics or motives.
I don't think any other reporter could have done her life's work to the same level due to her deep connection and love for the region.
Her acknowledgement section at the end was warm and gracious.