No. 8 Re-wired: 202 New Zealand Inventions That Changed the World

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Paperback

24 Sep 2014

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A colourful, often surprising celebration of Kiwi can-do, No. 8 Re-wired is the most complete and entertaining book about Kiwi inventions yet.

If necessity is the mother of invention then Kiwi ingenuity is its father.No. 8 Re-wired is a comprehensive, colourful treasury of New Zealand inventions – jam-packed with the stories behind 202 home-grown creations and the crafty people who dreamt them up. From well-known innovations (human flight, the discovery of DNA, the pavlova) to lesser-known feats (instant coffee, the referee's whistle, the electronic petrol pump) to the newest in high-tech world-firsts (robots and jetpacks!), it is the most complete and entertaining book ever on Kiwi ingenuity. And, yes, the pav is definitely ours. A surprising and absorbing account of Kiwi can-do, and a celebration of the No. 8 wire spirit on which New Zealand is built, it's also a revealing look at how innovation can power us into the future. 'No. 8 Re-wired brilliantly celebrates New Zealanders' disrespect for the status quo.' —Sir Ray Avery

Published: 24 September 2014
ISBN: 9780143571957
Imprint: Penguin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 272
RRP: $45.00

Categories:

Computing & technology

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About the authors

Jon Bridges

Jon is a well-known TV presenter and producer, with such credits as IceTV, Who Ate All the Pies?, and the panel show Would I Lie to You?.For the past four years he has been the producer of New Zealand's most successful TV comedy show, 7 Days.

Jon has written a column for the New ZealandListener, a popular blog for Stuff.co.nz, a book on cycling in New Zealand, Easy Rider, and another on New Zealand inventions and innovation, No. 8 Re-wired (with David Downs).

Jon lives in the house he built with his designer wife Gemma, along with their recent addition Xeno.

David Downs

A native of Whanganui, David began his working life as an actor, writer, comedian and co-founder (with Jon and others) of The Classic Comedy & Bar in Auckland. He left this behind to start a second career in IT, which he stuck with for nearly 20 years, including a stint living and working for Microsoft in Asia. David's strong interest in innovative companies, and his pride in New Zealand, lead him back to Aotearoa and his third career at government agency New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, where he helps local businesses grow internationally.

David lives in Devonport, Auckland, with his TV producer wife Katherine and his three fast-growing boys Jack, Joshua and Toby.

Praise for No. 8 Re-wired: 202 New Zealand Inventions That Changed the World

No. 8 Re-wired has a cheerily old-fashioned appeal. ... Although it does justice to many of the most-lauded of our inventions – the tote, stamp-vending machines – it's the lesser-known breakthroughs that will fascinate many.
North & South

This collection of fascinating New Zealand history is neither predictable nor po-faced ... Our best and brightest have much to answer for – and to be proud of.
Kia Ora