I've begun researching a new book, 'Farms Aflame: The Secret History of Rural Arson' (working title). Still very much at the gathering archives phase, but I can already see this is going to be interesting mahi!
#envhist #radicalhistory

Some pics from a recent research visit to Ōamaru, where I visited the Waitaki Archives as well as some historic estates (Totara, Windsor Park)

Here's the closure details BTW: www.rnz.co.nz/news/nationa...

Hey team. What is the technical term for this way of laying out a chapter's content? You see it in lots of 19th and early 20th century work...

I read some great historical fiction this year. These were my favourites

Made my submission opposing the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill. Nothing flash but sharing in case there's something of use to people. You can oppose the Bill here:
www.parliament.nz/en/ECommitte...

Some snaps from this week: Ōnuku, Takapūneke, and the Coronation Library, Akaroa. Ngāi Tahu and colonial history.

Here you go! The refs for this particular section, which comes from an unpublished rewrite with full refs.

And if I were to write it today, I'd add this about agency and the more-than-human world:

If I had time I'd love to write a maritime history research guide for the Turnbull. Would def include this neat logbook of the New Bedford whaling ship 'South Carolina'. Doodles!
Ref: qMS-1855
#MaritimeHistory

New review! 'Blood & Dirt has done much to place the sweated toil of NZs exploited prison labour force front & centre. It has also provided a framework for rethinking the rise of the prison...this is a terrific & important book'
#pukapuka #envhist
www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/doi/10.3828/...

It's nice to see reviews of Blood and Dirt still popping up! "Throughout the book, he skilfully weaves personal stories through the facts and figures, and his punchy, confident writing style deftly handles weighty methodological topics." #envhist
www.thepolynesiansociety.org/jps/index.ph...

This was before the hīkoi had even arrived at Parliament. Amazing turn out

When you're working on two books (because who can decide?) you need a serious writing desk... Like this. Sore neck included.