Have you ever wondered how the town you live in got its name? Why Bulls and not sheep or dogs? Is Raglan named after a style of sleeve? Why name a river after dog dung? Which Auckland suburb's name translates to laziness? Most New Zealanders have no idea where the name of the town they live in came from. This book tells the tales behind some of the most intriguing place names in this country. Written in an accessible and interesting style, this book is more a light social history than an exhaustive dictionary of place names. It is entertaining as well as educational, and provides glimpses into the history of New Zealand through the eyes of those people tasked with naming our suburbs, towns, cities and landmarks. Illustrations consist of modern and historical photographs of signage that features the names of the towns - e.g. Road signs, business signs, building signage. The book is divided into seven sections: First names, Global villages, Oddities, Double meanings, Cityscapes, Double the fun and Snicker value.

About the Author

Nicola McCloy is an Auckland writer and editor who has published two books New Zealand Disasters and New Zealand Mysteries, both for Whitcoulls.