Fergus Barrowman (ed), The Picador Book of Contemporary New Zealand Fiction (Picador). A good combination of extracts and short stories from most of the best living writers in the country.

Warwick Brown , 100 New Zealand Paintings (Godwit Publishing, NZ). As the title suggests, with some excellent reproductions and a good bit of information.

Warwick Brown , 100 New Zealand Artists (Godwit Publishing, NZ). The companion to the above but also allowing room for sculptors, printmakers, photographers and graphic artists.

Bill Manhire (ed), 100 New Zealand Poems (Godwit Publishing, NZ). A very manageable selection of Kiwi verse which provides an excellent introduction to the poetry of the nation.

C.K. Stead (ed), Contemporary South Pacific Stories (Faber and Faber). A great collection from authors as diverse as European Kiwi, Maori, Fijian-Indian, Samoan, Tongan and Cook Islanders, with a brilliant introduction.

Ian Wedde and Harvey McQueen (eds), The Penguin Book of New Zealand Verse (Penguin). A comprehensive collection of verse from the earliest European settlers to contemporary poets, and an excellent introduction to Kiwi poetry; highlights are works by James K. Baxter, Janet Frame, C.K. Stead, Sam Hunt, Keri Hulme, Hirini Melbourne, and Apirana Taylor.