As we see ourselves

Press, 2 December 1989, Page 27

As we see ourselves

Salute to New Zealand. Edited by Sandra Coney. Beckett Sterling/ Weldon Publishing, 1989. 256 pp. Illustrations. $79.95 (Reviewed by Chris Moore)

This is primarily a book about New Zealand, by New Zealanders, for New Zealanders; a work which represents a team effort in the best Kiwi tradition; the writings and photography of 21

people. In spite of the risk that we could all succumb to an excess of patriotism

before 1990 even dawns, “Salute to New Zealand” contains moments which transcend vicarious emotionalism. Craig Potton’s photographs of the North Island absorb the eye and mind while Laurie Barber’s ironically pithy account of the Pakeha Inheritance

stands alongside Buddy Mikaere’s examination of the Maori past, present, and future. Much of the book glows with visual and verbal colour —

a strong and sensitive examination of a country and its people. As a salute to our origins and future the book succeeds to cross the boundaries between yet another pretty

picture book and a serious attempt to map the human landscape. There are still gaps — I found Hamish Keith’s contribution of our national coming of age tended towards pretentiousness,

while the section on the arts could have been developed by the introduction of some humour.

But it is the image which places a distinctive stamp on “Salute to New Zealand.” There are none of the visual cliches which haunt many previous publications. The camera presents new images and moods in the hands of a group of talented photographers.

Their skills have injected a very special quality into a work which should never be allowed to linger undisturbed beneath the coffee table.