Potton & Burton Information

Our books have always had a strong focus on natural history and the environment, and include the landmark New Zealand's Native Trees, New Zealand Book of the Year in 2012, and other seminal books such as Ghosts of Gondwana: The History of Life in New Zealand, Birdstories: A History of the Birds of New Zealand, and Fight for the Forests: The Pivotal Campaigns that saved New Zealand's Native Forests. In the area of New Zealand culture some noteworthy books have included Edmund Hillary: A Biography, Selling the Dream: The Art of Early New Zealand Tourism, Mauri Ora, Swim: A Year of Swimming in New Zealand, as well as the poetry of Sam Hunt. Outdoor recreation continues to be an important focus, and has included significant books in this genre such as Shelter from the Storm: The Story of New Zealand's Backcountry Huts, Great Walks of New Zealand, and Tramping: A New Zealand History. An important offshoot of Potton & Burton's publishing has been an interest in contemporary issues, with most prominent being the work of investigative writer Nicky Hager, including the highly controversial, bestselling books The Hollow Men, Dirty Politics and Hit & Run. Over the last decade Potton & Burton has also developed a strong focus on good quality children's books, which have included classics such as the bestselling Herbert the Brave Sea Dog, which has sold over 40,000 copies in New Zealand and also been translated into Te Reo Maori, and the hugely successful Explore & Discover series. In 2019 the company shifted its distribution to Bateman Books in Auckland. Potton & Burton is proudly independent, and actively values the freedom to publish books that inspire and matter, and to maintain a committed and hands-on involvement in every book that is published. COMPANY HISTORY