A group of Waiheke Islanders gathered together and came up with the idea of a coffee table book. This became The Spirit of Waiheke, which celebrates what it is to live on and visit this unique motu. Profits from the book will go to The Waiheke Spirit Children’s Trust to support children’s programmes and events on Waiheke Island.

What makes Waiheke so special?

We asked local artists, musicians, winemakers, chefs, restaurateurs, historians, kaumātua and more why they are so proud to call this unique island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf home.  What results is a loving homage to the island by well-known residents, including John Hawkesby, Andrew Glenn, Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh, Denis O’Connor, Graeme Revell, Amanda Linnell, Clare Dunleavy and Lady Jennie Fenwick, with more than 130 stunning images from one of New Zealand’s leading photographers, Waiheke local Peter Rees, that capture the island’s spirit and recipes from restaurateurs and locals.