This is an auction for ON ACTIVE SERVICE: NEW ZEALAND AT WAR by Richard Wolfe.

"Although New Zealand is barely 165 years old we have spent over 40 of those years fighting wars, 16 of them in our own country. Richard Wolfe has chosen to begin his story in pre European times - in a New Zealand when there were regular seasonal tribal wars among Maori. Until recent times these events have been relegated to the less researched part of our history. The Land War text dealing with the period when Maori and European fought each other has a strong visual illustrative impact aided by many paintings and sketches. The remaining record of New Zealand at war is a good potted historical account. Wolfe writes with sympathy and some real understanding of the social and political norms of the time, especially as they arose from the impact of the Second World War. He is the first author I have read to recognise that the 1970s were a time of rethinking for New Zealanders in their attitude to alliances and participation in other people's wars. He demonstrates sympathy for those that took part. The final section deals with `Keeping the Peace' - an account of the many thousands of New Zealanders who since Korea have fought or kept the peace for the blue beret of the United Nations. The quality of the photographs throughout is striking. This is an excellent book - a great introduction to the years of war that has cost New Zealand over 30,000 lives."

• Southland Times

Large format * hardback 2004.

• 23.5cms x 26.5cms: too large for my scanner.

192 pages.

Photographs throughout.

Very good condition.

The cost of shipping is $7.95 (tracked mail).

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston ?North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.