Author(s): Mike Johnston

Nelson

Aorere Gold not only provides a comprehensive account of New Zealand’s first gold rush in the Aorere Valley and subsequent rushes to other Golden Bay goldfields, but also the social history of the bay.

This thoroughly researched and well-illustrated 480-page book provides a vivid picture of the many challenges, hard work, lucky breaks and dire disappointments following the initial discovery of gold in 1857.

Dr Mike Johnston has spent over 25 years researching and writing the history of the western Nelson goldfields of which Aorere Gold is the first of three volumes. He combines his professional knowledge of geology with his comparable interest in regional history to weave an expert, fascinating and informative narrative of immense historical value.