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MY

Historical work

I have authored around 18 books about the history of our area - as you can see I am very passionate about Hawkes Bay and the historical events that shaped the region. Some of my work is for sale or available in local libraries, and a selection of my speeches are recorded below.

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Promenading: Napier's Iconic Marine Parade 

This book shows how the Marine Parade was developed from a shingle spit into today's waterfront Mecca.

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Stories of Historic Hawke's Bay
 

Contains 69 feature length stories richly illustrated with photos (many in colour) on Hawke’s Bay’s history. 

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From Disaster to Recovery: The Hastings CBD 1931-35
 

This book details the destructive impact of the 1931 quake on the Hastings CBD and its subsequent recovery. 

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Hastings, Havelock North and Napier: A Collage of History

Chapters include Railway, Parks, World War I departure, Fantasyland, Te Mata Peak Park and Jean Batten's Napier visit.

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Hawke's Bay Opera House : The First One Hundred Years 1915-2015

Join Michael Fowler as he traverses the first century of Hastings' "Grand Old Lady."

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Famous for Low Prices: The Story of Westerman & Co. Ltd

Chronicles the history of the Westerman family and their retail business, known for its low prices.

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Wings over Hawkes Bay: The Story of Our Airport

Explore the colourful history of our airport. Copies are available to purchase at Bellatino’s Aeroporto at the airport, or the Art Deco Shop in Napier.

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Historic Hawkes Bay

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Join Michael Fowler as he traverses the first century of Hastings' "Grand Old Lady."

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From Inkwells to E-Mail: The Story of Accounting in Hawke's Bay

Follows the experiences of Hawkes Bay pioneer accountants and their professional descendants.

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The Reel Story: A history of Napier and Hastings cinemas, 1896-1996

“The Reel Story” catalogues the cinemas built in the Hastings and Napier central business districts during this period. 

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Speaking Arrangements

A selection of my past speeches based on the history of Hawkes Bay. I would love for you to invite me to speak or MC at local events.

Michael Fowler: A Tale of Two Cities13 June 2011
00:00 / 54:53
Michael Fowler: Hastings Municipal Theatre11 November 2008
00:00 / 31:30
Michael Fowler: 1931 Earthquake Rescues3 February 2009
00:00 / 28:09
Michael Fowler: History of Havelock North2009
00:00 / 58:26
Michael Fowler: Hastings, Phoenix From the Ashes20 September 2014
00:00 / 35:32

INVITE ME TO SPEAK

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