Sixteen titles have been shortlisted from a record 179 entries at the 2021 Ockham NZ Book Awards. The winners of the four categories in fiction, poetry and non-fiction (x 2) will be announced, the authors garlanded at a glittering ceremony on Wednesday 12 May. Mighty mahi from all entrants!

Our return to Level 3 restrictions has changed the way we’re working. In this update, Ockham’s Joss Lewis explains how the sales team use virtual tours and Zoomage to give you a most excellent online experience. And Ockham Construction King Ben Gibbens shares where we’re up to do with our developments. 

Since late-December, the urban tree guardians Mana Rākau have sought to save a macrocarpa at our Aroha site in Avondale. After several weeks of negotiating – and a lot of listening and learning – we're pleased to announce we've reached an agreement that'll allow our project to proceed. We've also pledged our support to Mana Rākau in their fight to save Auckland's urban rākau.

A protest to save a macrocarpa tree on Avondale’s Ash Street began just before Christmas. Auckland apartment builder Ockham’s Mark Todd argues that while the loss of a lone macrocarpa is not the ideal option, he says it’s far preferable to losing another six hectares to urban sprawl.

Forty titles – across fiction, poetry and non-fiction – have been long-listed for the 2021 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Frances Walsh (pictured), whose magisterial Endless Sea with ace snapper Jane Ussher is a contender in the Illustrated Non-Fiction Category, is one of 13 first-time longlistees for The Ockhams.

Behold! Our sales office at 54 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn is closed today as our hardworking team celebrate Waitangi Day. But they reopen tomorrow – Tuesday 9 February – and would love to see you to talk about all things Ockham (namely Aroha in Avondale or The Greenhouse in Grey Lynn).