Hawke's Bay author Michael Fowler releases new history book

Michael Fowler with his new book, "Historic Hawke's Bay". Photo / Warren Buckland

Hawke's Bay author Michael Fowler has released his ninth book, filled with rich and colourful history of Hawke's Bay.

Based in Havelock North, Fowler describes himself as a self-employed historian with a key focus on the region's social history.

The stories in his latest book, Historic Hawke's Bay, have been adapted from his Saturday columns which have appeared in the Hawke's Bay Today through the years.

From the history of McLean Park to the War Memorial Hall in Napier, there's an array of quirky and informative stories in the 160-page book.

From archived photos to more colourful memories provided by members of the public, Hawke's Bay residents will be entertained, enlightened and amazed.

Fowler's latest book stretches away from his usual works from Napier's earthquake history to Art Deco to the history of movie theatres.

Fowler is a chartered accountant and wrote his first book on the history of accounting in Hawke's Bay.

"That sale didn't go so well, as the release was at the same time as the first Harry Potter.

"I've always done about three historical Hawke's Bay-type format books and they always sell the best because the column has got quite a good following," he said.

The book is mainly a mixture of Napier and Hastings stories, with a few guest appearances from Waipukurau, Waipawa and Wairoa.

"There's a story there about one guy who was promoting motorcycles, he raced an express train down to Wellington about 100 years ago.

There's also stories about the beginning of Cornwall Park and Napier's Marine Parade. The information for these stories was hard to find."

Fowler said his tales could take at least six to 10 hours of research each.

"It's like playing golf for me, it's something I really enjoy."

"The good thing about these articles going in the newspaper first is that if anyone disagrees with it, they will soon let me know and I can adapt it.

"It's also got more content than the original newspaper articles, because people would contact me afterwards with more information.

"When you've put all the effort into something like this and the book arrives for you to look over, it's just something to be very proud of. "

• Fowler will be selling his book at the Peace Makers Market in Havelock North on December 15, it will be for sale in the Hastings Community Art Centre, or contact Fowler directly to purchase the book at beancounter@xtra.co.nz.