Authors

Dave Lowe is an atmospheric chemist and a lead author of the 2007 Nobel Prize-winning IPCC Fourth Assessment Report on climate change. In the early 1970s he set up a monitoring station at Baring Head to provide the world's first evidence of rising atmospheric CO2 in the southern hemisphere mid-latitudes. He has worked in laboratories in the US, Germany, and New Zealand, where he developed equipment and methods to determine the sources of methane in the atmosphere. In New Zealand with NIWA, Dave developed an analytical laboratory and helped establish TROPAC, a world-leading atmospheric chemistry.

Christall Lowe is based in Feilding, New Zealand and is an author and food photographer. She was the photographer for Saffron Swirls and Cardamom Dust. She was the winner of the NZ Food Photographer of the Year at the Pink Lady international Food Photography Awards.

Steve Lowndes has had a checkered career since arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand in the winter of 1979. Making the transition from hippie traveller to being the father of two children was the first challenge. Five years as a builder’s labourer were followed by fourteen years as the director of Akaroa Museum and during that time he wrote three short histories of Akaroa, Banks Peninsula and the Hurunui. He then went into local government serving on various boards and councils. He retired in 2019 as the Chairman of Environment Canterbury. Writing and painting have been twin drawcards that have engaged him throughout his life when work hasn’t got in the way. Steve and Lisa parted company twenty years ago, but have stayed in close contact and this book, designed by their daughter Alicia, has been a collaborative family effort. He now lives at Birdlings Flat in Canterbury with his partner Susan Morrow. In the early 1980s, Lisa Potts and Steve Lowndes found an idyllic rundown 1860s cottage in the hills behind Akaroa. Lisa focused on rearing two children and adapting to an alternative lifestyle. She milked cows, chased sheep, looked after too many chooks and cats and lived the life of a homesteader. She developed and printed photographs in a small darkroom in one of the sheds on the property and at the same time worked for the inspirational herbalist, Gillian Polson, at The Herb Farm Grehan Valley. Lisa organized and managed the first Akaroa Music Festival in the sesquicentennial year of 1990 and for several years coordinated the Akaroa Spring School sponsored by the Arts Council of New Zealand. She worked as an assistant librarian at the Akaroa School and Community Library for many years. In the latter years, Lisa travelled extensively in Europe & Canada with her late partner, Willie Rutherford. She is now retired, still living on the same property, guarded by her faithful canine friend and surrounded by a perennial garden and the melodic song of bellbirds and tuis.

No biography

Rose Lu is a Wellington-based writer and software developer. Her first book, All Who Live On Islands (2019) was published by Te Herenga Waka University Press. It explains and gives insight into her experience of growing up in New Zealand and being Chinese. For this book, she was awarded the Modern Letters Creative Nonfiction Prize. This biography is courtesy of Read NZ Te Pou Murmura's Writers Files.

About the AuthorRobert Lubbe began his professional journey with a decade in the armed forces, where he honed his leadership skills and learned to adapt to change as the only constant. Originally trained as a combat medic, he soon discovered his passion for the operational arena and joined 7 Medical Battalion Group, a specialist Airborne Medical Unit. He rose to the rank of Captain and while permanently stationed in the Parachute Brigade, he developed strong decision-making and management skills in this high-pressure, high-stakes environment. After his military service, Robert gained extensive international experience in high-risk environments across Africa and the Middle East. He worked as a certified Personal Protection Officer, taking on challenging assignments for the US Department of State, the US Department of Defence and private coalition organisations. Later, he transitioned to a role as an Operational Risk Consultant and Trainer, helping safeguard personnel in dynamic and hazardous conditions. Robert's career has since expanded into public healthcare, construction and production industries. With over 20 years of experience as a health, safety and well-being professional, he has driven safety improvements and cultural change in various industries and organisations. His innovative risk management strategies and leadership initiatives have been instrumental in enhancing workplace safety. Beyond his technical expertise, Robert has always been passionate about understanding human behavior and psychology. In addition to a PhD in Metaphysical Science, he holds certifications in Neuroscience, Hypnosis and Micro-expression analysis, integrating these disciplines into his approach to safety and well-being. He emphasises a holistic approach to safety, addressing not only physical risks but also mental health and emotional resilience. In addition to his professional achievements, Robert is a dedicated martial artist and instructor, holding a divisional World Champion title. He brings the same discipline and focus to his work, striving to create safer environments and promote overall well-being. Robert's commitment to lifelong learning and professional development drives his efforts to improve workplace safety and psychological risk management. His work reflects a unique blend ofexpertise and passion, offering practical insights for workplace and personal safety alike.

Dr John Dawson, 1928-2019, was Associate Professor of Botany at Victoria University. He published many books, but 'New Zealand's Native Trees', and the companion field guide are arguably his greatest legacy. Dr Barry Sneddon lectured for many years at Victoria University, and was a close colleague of John Dawson's. He has been responsible for all of the amendments in this revised edition. Rob Lucas lectured at the Open Polytechnic in Lower Hutt until his retirement and has been photographing native plants for many years.

No biography

Tatiana Duvouale, writing under the pen name Lufudufu, is a New Zealand creator of Lufudufu World. She blends hand-drawn illustrations with playful rhymes to bring to life the hedgehog duo Lufu and Dufu in charming stories of life, kindness, wit, and wonder. Her debut series, 12 Months of Living Hedgehogly, introduces a world of tales to be collected, shared, and treasured across cultures and generations.

Tatiana Duvouale, writing under the pen name Lufudufu, is a New Zealand creator of Lufudufu World. She blends hand-drawn illustrations with playful rhymes to bring to life the hedgehog duo Lufu and Dufu in charming stories of life, kindness, wit, and wonder. Her debut series, 12 Months of Living Hedgehogly, introduces a world of tales to be collected, shared, and treasured across cultures and generations.

No biography