Books

Bookworks

We may build our dream homes piece by piece, but inspiration often comes by first exploring what’s on offer, page by page. To help readers define the shapes of things to come, we have complied a few notes on some notable tomes about homes and gardens here in New Zealand and further afield.

IN THE COMPANY OF GARDENERS

Located from the winterless north to the chilly south, the gardens showcased in this book reveal how diverse New Zealand’s growing conditions are. In addition to striking photos, this book also includes the stories behind the gardens and their gardeners as well as hints and tips for developing native paradises, natural larders and more.

Juliet Nicholas & Sue Alison: In the Company of Gardeners | RRP $55 | RHNZ Godwit PROPERTY QUADRANTS

Investing in bricks and mortar used to be one of the most tangible gambles of all. However, as property markets fluctuate, with bubbles and busts, many ordinary people have shied away from real estate leaving it to the experts. In this book, successful investor, Nichole Lewis, shares her secrets regarding how to negotiate the common (and uncommon) pitfalls, with real life case studies and proven formulas designed to help average people ensure the market works for them.

Nichole Lewis: Property Quadrants | RRP $29.95 | Best Seller Publishing NEW ZEALAND GARDENS TO VISIT

From native havens to exotic wonderlands, both private and public gardens are showcased in this book. In addition to an extensive range of photos by Juliet Nicholas, New Zealand Gardens to Visit also features detailed information to give readers a thorough understanding of what lies behind a wide range of garden gates. This book is ideal book for novice gardeners and green-fingered veterans alike. Juliet Nicholas & Rosemary Barraclough: New Zealand Gardens to Visit | RRP $55 | RHNZ Godwit

From Shackleton’s Antarctic huts to some of New Zealand’s most marvellous mansions, Jane Ussher has captured many a remarkable room. In addition to Jane’s stunning photos, Rooms also includes text by John Walsh, providing even more insight into how we live as well as where Kiwis call home.

Jane Ussher (photographer) & John Walsh: Rooms: Portraits of Remarkable New Zealand Interiors | RRP $80 | Massey University Press

MAKING SPACE

Women have been behind the design of some remarkable structures worldwide, but there is a glass ceiling that still needs to be shattered. This book (by leading women architects) shares the stories of female architects and their contributions, despite barriers, made in a maledominated profession.

Elizabeth Cox: Making Space – a history of women and architecture in New Zealand | RRP $65 | Massey University Press

LIVING THE DREAM

New Zealand’s coastline is a haven for holiday homes we well as family abodes. Not just a showcase of these properties themselves but also offering insights into the lives of those who call them home (or home away from home), this book captures an iconic slice of the Kiwi way of life.

Living the Dream: Derek Morrison | RRP $55 | Random House NZ SMALL HOLIDAY HOUSES

Catherine Foster turns away from New Zealand’s grandest seaside abodes to focus on 20 smaller homes, from Northland to Southland. Complete with descriptions, design notes, plans, illustrations and photos, this book provides more than just a snapshot about how we live when getting away from it all.

Catherine Foster: Small Holiday Houses | RRP $55 | Penguin

WELLINGTON ARCHITECTURE – A WALKING GUIDE

Inspired design features throughout New Zealand’s capital, as this book reveals. Not only does this book serve to offer a guide to some of Wellington’s most notable structures, we need not leave home to glean some of the secrets behind masterfully created buildings.

John Walsh & Patrick Reynolds (photographer): Wellington Architecture – A Walking Guide | RRP $30 | Massey University Press

WHO LIVED THERE?

What stories lie behind the front doors of some of New Zealand’s most unusual buildings? In Who Lived There?, Nicola McCloy answers this question. With the addition of Jane King’s photos as well as historic shots, this book showcases personality both inside and out.

Nicola McCloy & Jane King: Who Lived There? | RRP $45 | Random House NZ

Mitre 10 MEGA

SOLUTIONS FOR HOME & GARDEN

For almost 12 years, Mitre 10 MEGA Pukekohe has been helping locals bring their home and garden projects to life. Whether we’re building a deck, establishing a vegetable garden or renovating a kitchen, the Pukekohe team draws on their expertise and personal experience to help customers ‘get it done right’.

The Pukekohe store today offers a wide range of shopping and payment options. Customers can buy online, choosing from home delivery or to ‘click and collect’. Payment options include Afterpay, so we can shop now and pay later, through Farmlands, or with longer-term finance options such as GEM Visa and Q Card.

For trade customers, Smartmate Charge is a flexible, on account solution to get the job done, wherever customers are based. Tradies can work with their local Mitre 10 MEGA Pukekohe Trade team to manage accounts and business needs, purchase goods in any Mitre 10 store nationwide and have them charged back to their Pukekohe store account.

KITCHENS & APPLIANCES

Offering a free design service, Kiwi-made cabinetry and a 15 year warranty on cabinetry, the team at Mitre 10 MEGA Pukekohe can help us achieve our desired look, from understated to expressive. A new kitchen should have enough storage, but there are plenty of clever options to help create a place for everything. A diverse range of appliances are also on offer, intended to suit varied kitchen designs while meeting numerous cooking requirements.

BATHROOM & LAUNDRY

Designed to bring style, convenience and functionality to bathrooms or laundry spaces, the extensive range of tapware, vanities, showers, baths and laundry tubs at Mitre 10 MEGA Pukekohe will complement any home and lifestyle. OUTDOOR FURNITURE & BARBECUES

LIGHTING

Lighting is often about more than just illuminating an area, it can be used to create subtle ambience or accenting, while bolder lighting choices may become design features in themselves. The range on offer in store includes interior and exterior solutions, such as strip lighting, pendants, downlights, and a comprehensive selection of bulbs.

FLOORING

The right flooring can transform the look and feel of a home. Mitre 10 MEGA Pukekohe has tiles, vinyl, laminate, timber and bamboo flooring options from which to choose.

PAINT & DECORATING

Selecting the most fitting colour for any home can be quite daunting but this local store’s paint experts help pick out shades to bring spaces to life, while its paint tinting service means almost any colour match is possible. Preparation coats, brushes and rollers, adhesives, sealants and more are also available. Enjoy the Kiwi summer with any of the store’s outdoor dining and lounge settings, which come in a selection of mixed materials including modern aluminium and glass, concrete and timber.

Choose new season styles and on-trend accessories, outdoor heating solutions and barbecues from top brands such as Weber and Masport.

GARDEN CENTRE

Mitre 10 MEGA Pukekohe’s garden centre – a finalist in Mitre 10’s 2022 Garden Centre of the Year awards – is packed with plants to suit any landscape or garden style. It also provides everything needed to maintain gardens and outdoor areas, including pest and disease control, fertiliser, lawn care products and tools.

BUILDING SUPPLIES

Get all the essentials for projects large or small, ranging from timber, plywood and cement through to panelling and wallboards, doors and insulation. And, don’t forget to ask the store’s experts for helpful advice.