This is a new kind of tree book, not a guide to species or simply a photographic study, it is a collection of individual portraits of the most remarkable trees in New Zealand. Mysterious and awe-inspiring, these mighty and often sacred trees have fascinating lives and histories - many have been around for hundreds of years, some for thousands. From the 800-year-old pohutukawa that stands at 'the place of leaping' at Cape Reinga to the Moriori carved 'kopi' (karaka) trees of the Chatham Islands.
"Trees of New Zealand" covers not only the oldest (the kauri 'Te Matua Ngahere' in Waipoua forest) and largest trees, but also trees that have histories that are linked to the history of New Zealand, such as the Gallipoli Pine at Taradale Cemetery, grown as a memorial from the seed of Gallipoli's Lone Pine Tree. Landscape photographer Mike Hollman's beautiful photographs make these trees come alive and highlights the gorgeous landscapes that often surround them.
Peter Janssen is an Auckland-based writer and who has travelled extensively throughout New Zealand. He has worked for many years in the publishing industry but has also tried his hand at bus driving, artificial insemination, pumping petrol, and farming. Born and raised in Huntly, Peter has also lived in Southland, Canterbury and Wellington.
Mike Hollman has been a freelance photographer, specialising in travel and landscape photography, for the last 12 years and has worked in the travel industry for 22 years. His photographs have appeared in AVA photography guides, on calendars and postcards and in international photography libraries.