Hamilton City Libraries

New Zealand Post Children's Book awards winners The true story of a World War l Kiwi soldier has won the country’s highest honour in children’s writing at the 2012 New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards. Nice Day for a War, by author Matt Elliot and illustrated by Chris Slane was awarded the 2012 New Zealand Post Children’s Book of the Year at a ceremony held in Wellington on May 16th. . . more... more...

Library catalogue unavailable Due to scheduled server maintenance, the library catalogue will be unavailable for a short period between 9:00pm and 10:00pm Tuesday 15th May 2012. We apologise for any inconvenience. ... more...

Playgroups Playgroups are a fun filled preschool programme. They are tailored specifically for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. The programmes feature stories, songs, action rhymes, music, movement and craft which foster children's literacy. Caregivers can bond with their children while enhancing their social, cognitive, motor and musical skills. They are held weekly during ... more...

Dinosaur Adventures New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards Short Story Competition winners Waikato / King Country  We had over 200 entries to  read! 5-6 Years 1st Place         Elise Gilbert 2nd Place        Thomas Gardner 3rd Place       ... more...

Re-mapping old stories Art work in Garden Place lift By Margaret Aull (Tūwharetoa, Te Rarawa, Fiji) Ink on plywood2012 Garden Place got its name because it was once the flourishing garden of local Tainui hapuu, Ngati Wairere. The Koiri kowhaiwhai pattern used represents abundance because this garden was a source of nourishment for Ngati Wairere. Today our library stands in Gar... more...

We have added over 400 new eBooks to our collection at Wheelers ePlatform since our launch in February. If you haven't explored what we have to offer, now's the time to take a look! We have a variety of adult fiction and non-fiction, and titles for young adults and children to enjoy. There are fantastic step-by-step user guides available to get you started ... more...

We are trialling a variety of new databases for the next month. Find them at our online resources page: Auto Repair Reference CenterInstructions on how to repair and maintain vehicles, including circuit diagrams and a list of approximate repair times for selected faults – useful to see if your mechanic is charging you fairly. Hobbies and Crafts Reference CenterYou can ei... more...

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  Welcome to our Saturday Story Time at Garden Place Library. Saturday 5th May 2012 Destination: Monstersorious 3. 2. 1. blast off. . .   this month we're off on a monsterous adventure. Reserve me   Reserve me Go Away Big Green Monster! By Ed Emberley   Are you ready to show this monster who is in charge?       L... more...

Starlight Storytime We regret that Starlight Storytime is now fully booked. No further registrations can be accepted. ... more...

Anzac Day holiday hours Wednesday 25th April CLOSED Normal hours resume Thursday 26th April 2012... more...

Night @ the Library  May 19th Night @ the Library registration Name Address Phone no. Email Workshops - please select sessions you are interested in (workshops will run depending on demand)  Ancestry and Find my past  Family history for beginners  Kete Hamilton (Hamilton memories)  ... more...

  Easter Weekend holiday hours Good Friday 6th April CLOSED Saturday 7th April CLOSED Easter Sunday 8th April CLOSED Easter Monday 9th April CLOSED Normal hours resume Tuesday 10th April 2012... more...

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The Friends of Hamilton Public Library Association invite you to hear   David Mannering A local history researcher speaking on the Waikato Wars     On Monday 2nd of April at 7. 30pm At Chartwell Community Library Lynden Court, Hamilton       All welcome Non-members $2. 00  ... more...

The library catalogue will be unavailable tonight (Wednesday 21st March) between the hours of 9pm and midnight. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. ... more...

Monster Quest holiday programme Sessions begin 11am: Week one: Tuesday, April 10th or Thursday, April 12th Week two: Tuesday, April 17th or Thursday, April 19th All sessions will start at the Garden Place Library at 11am and end at the Waikato Museum at 1pm $20 per child per session - this includes entry to the How to Make a Monster exhibition For children aged 8-12 ... more...

Careers workshops Careers NZ are running career planning workshops as well as other activities from May through to August as part of its "Get a Life" campaign. Hamilton City Libraries are pleased to be hosting two of these. Design your career Thursday May 24th 1. 00 – 2. 30pm Kathleen Glenn Room, Level 2, Garden Place Library Free - no bookings required Workshop will cover: Tools th... more...

New Zealand Post Children's book awards finalists Picture books The Cat's Pyjamas by Catherine Foreman Raahui (both Maori and English versions) by Chris Szekely Shaolin Burning by Ant Sang Stomp! by Ruth Paul Waiting for Later by Tina Matthews Junior Fiction The Flytrap Snaps by Johanna Knox Just Jack by Adele Broadbent The Loblolly Boy a... more...

Hamilton City Libraries are now lending out eBooks through Wheelers ePlatform! Step-by-step guides are available on the Wheelers website. You are able to borrow 5 eBooks at a time, for up to 2 weeks. An electronic book (eBook) is a book you can read on your computer, laptop or other device, such as an eBook reader or mobile phone. ... more...

Copyright Law applies when using the free wifi or internet service provided in our Libraries via APNK It is a condition of APNK (Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa) and Hamilton City Libraries that users comply with New Zealand copyright legislation. Much of the content on the internet is copyrighted.   This can include: articles, reports, conference papers, books and magazines, music, film... more...

Rocket Story Time Welcome to our Saturday Story Time at Garden Place Library. Saturday 3rd March 2012 Celebrate the beginning of New Zealand Book Month with Author Sharon Holt 3. 2. 1. blast off. . .   Rocket relaunches this month with special guest author Sharon Holt. She'll be reading her two new books: Kei te Peke Ahau and Maranga Mai! ... more...

NZ Book Month 2012 Hamilton Programme of Events March 2012 Country Calendar Cooking with Allyson GoftonTuesday, March 27, 7pm Please see below for venue details for all events Country Calendar cooking with Allyson Gofton Tuesday, March 27th, 2012Wintec House Long Room7pmEntry: Gold coin Join celebrated kiwi cook Allyson Gofton as she brings the taste of ... more...

What's on at Hamilton City Libraries Playgroups - Story and craft time for children aged up to five and their carer - will start again with the new school term Max Cryer - broadcaster and language expert Coming in March . . . NZ Book Month - see below for more details! Includes Sharon Holt, Paul Thomas, Sue Orr and a Literary Pub Quiz Want to keep up to date with all our programm... more...

Waitangi Day holiday hours All Hamilton City Libraries will be closed for:  Waitangi DayMonday, February 6th, 2012Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, January 7th All libraries are open normal hours on Saturday, February 4th and Sunday February 5th... more...

Anniversary Day holiday hours All Hamilton City Libraries will be closed for:  Anniversary DayMonday, January 30th, 2012Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, January 31st All libraries are open normal hours on Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, January 29th... more...

Preposterous Proverbs - author talk with Max Cryer This session is now full. If you would like to go on the waiting list in case anyone cannot attend please call 838 6839. Join broadcaster and language expert Max Cryer as he turns his characteristic wry wit on the meaning and truth behind proverbs Wednesday, 22nd February, 201212. 30pm Hillcrest Library Numbers are limit... more...

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Inside Out and About children's programme January 17th - January 26th, 2012Locations vary - see details below or click here ... more...

Tanya Batt storyteller One special session! Be entertained by tales from imagined worlds and faraway places. Storyteller Tanya will weave her magic, sharing stories at Garden Place Library on Friday, 20th January, 2pm. All welcome. No bookings required. Koha appreciated. ... more...

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The Week Before Christmas photos Thank you to everyone who came along to our Week Before Christmas sessions. We hope you enjoyed them! We welcome your feedback so please email compro@hcc. govt. nz and tell us what you thought. In particular, tell us how you heard about the programme, was the time good, were the activities and crafts suitable and your overall impression. Don't forget t... more...

Rocket Story Time         Welcome to our Saturday Story Time at Garden Place Library. Saturday 3rd December Destination:  Party Planet Hullabaloo. It's our last Rocket Story Time for the year and what better way to celebrate than by having a party! Join us as we travel to Party Planet Hullabaloo! There will be stories, fu... more...

Wanted: Stories of NZ women 1893 to end of WWII Do you have stories of women in your family who lived in New Zealand in the 1900s? Want hear some of the songs already inspired by others' stories? If so, Chartwell Library wants to hear from you. Sunday, November 6th11amChartwell Library Free event. Everyone welcome.   For more information about Rachel an... more...

Try Time Try Time has now finished. Thank you to everyone who entered. We hope you've enjoyed the activities. And of course congratulations to the All Blacks! and the winner of the 2011 Try Time  is. . . . Donavan Farrell - Congratulations on winning this amazing rugby jacket thanks to Adidas.   Thanks to Adidas for kindly donating the main pr... more...

Labour Day holiday hours All Hamilton City Libraries will be closed for:  Labour DayMonday, October 24th, 2011Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, June 7th All libraries are open normal hours on Saturday, October 22nd and Sunday, October 23rd. ... more...

The Friends of Hamilton Public Library Association and the Friends of the Waikato Museum   are delighted to present a play reading    Sapper Moore-Jones by Campbell Smith Readers: Mark Houlahan Colin Leach Campbell Smith   On Monday 17th October at 7. 30pm At Chartwell Community Library Lynden Court, Hamilton     Gold Coin Admission   This... more...

Things are changing . . . From next week all Hamilton City Libraries will be using a new APNK computer booking system. There will be some disruption to services while the system is installed. Please ask staff for details on when this will be happening at each library. What is different? All bookings must be made at the desk - At Garden Place Library, book at the Level 1 desk, except for study a... more...

Sorted managing your debt seminar Join our expert, Judi Billcliff from Hamilton Budgeting Advisory Trust, and learn how to gain control of your money by managing your debt. Monday, 31st October, 201112. 15pmGarden Place Library, Stack area Level 2 If you are like many New Zealanders, you will find managing debt to be a life skill that is sorely needed. If you would like to... more...

Genealogy for Beginners Saturday session  Saturday, October 8th, 9amKathleen Glenn RoomLevel 2, Garden Place Library No charge Optional tour of genealogy resources to follow at 10am Want to research your family history but not sure where to start? Then this one-hour session could be the introduction you need to get you started. Find out where to look and ... more...

Try Time Have some fun these school holidays and take part in Try Time! You could win yourself an Adidas All Blacks Anthem Jacket. For children aged 5-13. Activities Click on a turtle to begin. Each turtle is a different activity. All activities will be made live on October 1st, 2011 at 9am. They will remain active until October 20th, 2011 at 5pm. The winner will be an... more...

Living with a plant nut - author talk with Derelie Cherry Join inspirational Australian author Derelie Cherry as she takes you on a lively journey to a paradise created by gardening mad husband Bob. Thursday, 29th September, 20115. 30pm Chartwell Library Welcome to Paradise – the garden Derelie Cherry’s internationally recognised plant breeder husband Bob created nearly 40 y... more...

Battle of Agincourt Thank you to everyone who attended our Battle of Agincourt flour bomb battle on Sunday at Innes Common. We hope you all had a fantastic day and you both enjoyed yourselves and learned a little bit as well. A special thanks to Alf's Army for running the day and the TS Rangiriri Sea Cadets for their assistance and for organising the sausage sizzle. Also congratulatio... more...

‘The Grass Catcher: an essay about home’, Ian Wedde New Zealand Poet Laureate Date: Thursday 15 September 2011Venue: Dance Studio, Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, Gate 2, Knighton Road, HamiltonTime: 5. 30pm: Lecture begins, 6. 30pm: Launch of Speaking Frankly: The Frank Sargeson Memorial Lectures 2003-2010. Light refreshments provided. ... more...

Shot in the dark - on this Saturday Each year hundreds of New Zealanders mysteriously go missing, vanishing from their homes and families, their cars and workplaces seemingly without a trace. Join local author Scott Bainbridge as he talks about some of the cases he has investigated as part of his research for his true crime books Saturday 3rd September, 20111. 30pm Gard... more...

Browsers Road Show Wednesday, July 27th11. 30am - 2pmKathleen Glenn RoomLevel 2 Garden Place Library Bring along your treasured old books and Rachel from Browsers will help value them. Very informal - just show up on the day. ... more...

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Rocket Story Time Prepare for blast off! We're introducing monthly weekend story times and the first session is set for launch! So join us on Saturday, July 23rd at 11am at Garden Place Library for our first Rocket Story Time, kindly supported by Rocket Coffee. Parents - grab a coffee, children - grab a hot chocolate, then sit back and enjoy the stories.   We... more...

And the winners are . . . Hamilton City Libraries Acrostic Poetry Competition Entries have now closed. Winners are listed here. Congratulations to all our winners and to everyone who entered. WINTEC Open Poetry Competition Entries have now closed. The winners are . . . 1st prize - Judy McDonald for 'Appetite' 2nd Prize - Elaine Riddell for 'Last Chance' 3rd Prize - Andr... more...

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Self-publishing your manuscript Thursday, 21st July 1pm to 2pmKathleen Glenn RoomLevel 2 Garden Place LibraryNo charge - tea and coffee provided Numbers are limited. To register fill out the form to the right or phone 838 6839 for more information With Heather Mackay from Mackay Books Contact Heather on (09) 235 6272 or email: heathermackay@xtra. co. nz Registration for Self-pub... more...

Midwinter Fest Hamilton City Libraries Midwinter Fest is underway and goes until Thursday July 28th. Winter is a great time to celebrate reading and books and we've got plenty of fun activities for all ages to enjoy! Most activities below are free but some do require bookings as numbers are limited. For more information phone 838 6839. National Poetry Day 2011 ... more...

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Wednesday, July 20th10. 30amHillcrest Library Numbers are limited so please register by July 13 using the online form below or phoning (07) 838 6839. Spend an hour with Kiwi author David Hill as he talks about his writing for children and young adults. There'll also be a reading and a questions and answers session. This event is suitable for families with c... more...

Weekend Story Time Garden Place Library We would like to introduce a monthly weekend story time for you and your children. Please take a couple of minutes to respond to this survey so that we can enhance your library experience. Take the survey here ... more...

Battle of Culloden photos The Battle of Culloden took a life of its own on Sunday May 29th as Hamilton City Libraries in conjunction with Alf's Army celebrated Youth Week in style! If you attended and you want to give us some feedback on the day, please email us at compro@hcc. govt. nz ... more...

Queen's Birthday holiday hours All Hamilton City Libraries will be closed for:  Queen's BirthdayMonday, June 6th, 2011Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, June 7th All libraries are open normal hours on Saturday, June 4th and Sunday, June 5th. ... more...

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Night @ the Library Saturday, May 14th, 20113. 30pm-midnight$25 Need more time to research your family history? Then get locked in the library for eight hours after closing to help you on your way. You can access the heritage stack area, normally off-limits to customers, use Ancestry and Find My Past databases, and ask advice from our helpful experts. There will be workshop sessions on the f... more...

Pirate Partyto celebrate the NZ Post Children's Book Awards Saturday, May 14th, 20111. 30pmFor kids aged 13 years old and under Venue: NZ Post Waikato Mail Centre, 28 Duke Street, Hamilton Ahoy there me hearty . . . We are celebrating the NZ Post Children's Book Awards with a fantastic pirate-themed party! Enjoy a rollicking pirate adventure story, sausage s... more...

Short story competition Ahoy there, me hearty. . . New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards, Short Story Competition Waikato King Country Theme: Pirate tales Write a pirate adventure, hand it in at any Hamilton City Library and be in to win great prizes. Entries close: Monday 2nd May, 2011, 5pm Download an entry form here There'll also be a special event for children to celebrate t... more...

All Hamilton City Libraries will be closed for:  Good FridayFriday, April 22nd, 2011 Easter SaturdaySaturday, April 23rd, 2011 Easter SundaySunday April 24th, 2011 Easter Monday/Anzac DayMonday, April 25th, 2011 Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, April 26th, 2011. ... more...

Craig Smith sings Wonky Donkey  Join children's favourite singer and author Craig Smith as he entertains with The Wonky Donkey, Willbee The Bumblebee and more fun stories in song the whole family will enjoy! Two sessions: Dinsdale Library - FULL Garden Place Library - FULL We are sorry to say we are fully booked for both sessions. Please note: this is a re... more...

Spend, stash or save The fun way to learn about money! With Judi Billcliff from Hamilton Budgeting April school holidays - for children aged 8-12 Monday, April 18th, 10. 30am - St Andrews Library Tuesday, April 19th, 10. 30am - Dinsdale Library  - SESSION FULL Wednesday, April 20th, 10. 30am - Chartwell Library - SESSION FULL Spaces are limited so bookings are ... more...

Max Cryer author talk notice It has just come to our attention that any online registrations to attend the Max Cryer author talk submitted up until February 9th have not been coming through to our registrations team. While a message has appeared on the website to confirm your registration, the email that would normally be generated has not been and therefore the team have not been able to record ... more...

NZ Book Month 2011 Hamilton events Celebrate NZ Book Month in March and come along to these great events in Hamilton. All events are free and everyone is welcome. These events are kindly sponsored by Te Rapa New World. What makes a good Kiwi book panel discussion Thursday, March 10, 6. 30pmWintec House Long Room, Wintec This event will join together a ... more...

Be a sport  with rugby journalist and commentator Bob Howitt Author talk as part of NZ Book Month This event is kindly sponsored by Te Rapa New World. Thursday, March 31 at 6. 30pmGarden Place Library Bob Howitt was the editor of Rugby News for 26 years, edited the New Zealand Rugby Annual for 22 years, and was founder editor of New Zealand Rugby... more...

Captain Cook's GPS  with New Zealand history authors John Robson & Joan Druett  Author talk as part of NZ Book Month This event is kindly sponsored by Te Rapa New World. Thursday, March 17 at 6. 30pmGarden Place Library Join history writers John Robson and Joan Druett as they talk about their work and in ... more...

Chick Lit and SciFi with fiction authors Michelle Holman and Russell Kirkpatrick Author talk as part of NZ Book Month This event is kindly sponsored by Te Rapa New World. Thursday, March 3 at 6. 30pmGarden Place Library Join two of New Zealand's bestselling fiction authors, Michelle Holman and Russell Kirkpatrick, as they talk about ... more...

Special storytime with Mary Kippenberger Tuesday, January 25 at 12. 30pmGarden Place (outside the library - inside if wet) Love interactive storytime? Then this is for you! Mary Kippenberger is one of New Zealand's favourite storytellers. She brings stories to life with her captivating and magical storytelling skills. Mary has been involved with childr... more...

All Hamilton City Libraries will be closed for:  Waitangi DaySunday, February 6th, 2011Normal hours will resume on Monday, February 7th All libraries are open normal hours on Saturday, February 5th. ... more...

    Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season from staff at your library. You can still renew and reserve items online whilst the libraries are closed. Libraries addresses and normal opening hours... more...

Battle of Hastings UPDATE Sunday November 21, 10. 45am:It's a bit windy but the rain is holding off and the walkers are all out for the Round the Bridges walk - so if they can do it, so can we! So prepare for battle! We'll see you there at 11. 30am. SUPER IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Well it looks like the weather men are not on our side and they wish our battle to be completed in the ... more...

Website under construction In order to provide you with service as quickly as possible, we have decided to restore access to our online catalogue even though we are still experiencing a few technical difficulties. We thank you for your patience and apologise for any inconveniences that may result. ... more...

Ahoy there me hearty . . . Congratulations to all those wonderful authors that submitted their swashbuckling tales. The judges had an exciting time reading all your masterpieces and now we are ready to tell you who won. . . . 5 - 6 year old age group 1st place - Carly - The Pirate Battle 2nd place - Bailey - Reilly the Pirate 3rd place - Phoenix - The Pirate Story   7 - 8 year old a... more...

Youth Week Battle of Culloden It's back! But this time its for big kids and those "young at heart"! Learn about history and celebrate being young while having an awesome flour bomb battle, all in the name of celebrating Youth Week 2011.   Date: Sunday, May 29th, 2011 Time: 11. 30am Battleground: Governors Lawn, Hamilton Gardens (near Gate 2) For youth aged 12 an... more...

Can Kathryn Dance, a renowned interrogator and kinesic analyst, work out what escaped psychopath Daniel Pell is up to and stop him before he carries out his plan? Reserve a copy today. ... more...

DI Tom Thorne receives the blurred image of a dead man's face on his mobile phone.  Who is he, who sent the photo and why? Then another photo arrives. Reserve a copy today. Links to more great crime novels. ... more...

This months' non-fiction spotlight focuses on new books and magazines to help you with your writing skills. ... more...

Prosecutor Julia Valentine is facing a case that could make her career. The defendant pleads not guilty to murdering his family by reason of insanity. Is he also behind other unsolved murders? Reserve a copy. ... more...

An amazing CD! Amy has a voice well beyond her years with great depth and soul. The lyrics of this album are raw with emotion and honest. Reserve a copy. ... more...

Danny Bhoy live at the Sydney Opera House.  Here is your chance to see why Danny is the latest hot comedian around. Reserve a copy. ... more...

Former soldier Dan Tyler wakes up in a strange bed covered in blood with the dead body of a girl he's just met next to him. Can his day get any worse? - yes it can! A fast paced thriller. Reserve a copy. ... more...

NZV8 magazine and Cosmos (a science magazine) are just two of our many new magazine subscriptions. Find out more, or ask library staff about other new titles. ... more...

Learn about blogs, social bookmarking and more with a great title from our Teen spotlight page. Then practice blogging by telling us about a book you've read on our Teen blog. ... more...

Elvis the King is a 2 CD set released recently to commemorate 30 years since his death. All the oldies are there - Jailhouse rock, Blue Suede shoes, along with many others. Reserve a copy. ... more...

Ricky Gervais, the star of 'The Office', is also a successful stand-up comedian. 'Ricky Gervais live 1 & 2' is an hilarious 2-disc set of his live comedy. Reserve a copy. ... more...

Brian Bishop was sixty miles away, asleep in bed, at the time his wife was murdered, or was he? Reserve a copy.   There are more great reads on our Fiction pages. ... more...

If you suffer from headaches you may find Jim Bartley's book about prevention and alternative approaches to treating headaches very useful. Reserve a copy.  Find more new Non Fiction on What's Hot. ... more...

The BBC FOUR Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction celebrates originality and diversity in contemporary non-fiction. Imperial life in the Emerald City: inside Iraq's Green Zone, is the 2007 winner. Reserve a copy. More about the prize. ... more...

Newlywed Laura Haverstock, shy, recovering from illness, and away from her husband, spends a long, fearful summer on the Cornish coast. Reserve a copy. View other recommended titles. ... more...

Brian Jackson wants to win University Challenge. He falls in love with team-mate Alice - will the path of true love run smoothly and will the team make it to the finals of the quiz? Reserve a copy.  Find more fiction reviews here. ... more...

From early days through to the 1920's, the piano was New Zealand's home entertainment centre. Fascinating contemporary anecdotes and illustrations. Reserve a copy.  Read more NZ history titles. ... more...

Girls love to sing; view reviews of popular CDs by female artists, all part of our wide range of music CDs. ... more...

View lists of great non fiction and biographies, recommended by our staff. ... more...

American Jake Geismar, a correspondent in pre-war Berlin, returns in 1945 and finds the city unrecognisable. He is thrown into a dangerous world of illegal night clubs and black markets. Reserve this title or DVD. Read more thrillers. ... more...

Chris Stewart continues the tale of his family's life on a farm in the hills of the Sierra Nevada. Anecdotes range widely, from trying to understand Spanish teenage protocol, to visiting Morocco on a seed collecting expedition. Reserve a copy. ... more...

Two murders miles apart are being investigated by DI Annie Cabbot and DCI Banks. As the investigations continue a ghost from the past comes back to haunt both detectives. Reserve a copy. ... more...

For reviews of new DVDs, visit our DVD spotlight. ... more...

A humorous, exciting and engaging autobiography recounting Liz’s career as a 17-year-old Air Force recruit, then on to the New Zealand Police before moving to her current position in the CIB. Reserve a copy. ... more...