"Wright’s exploration of the history of the HMS New Zealand captures the politics, events, and technology of the Dreadnought Age."

The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord, Vol. 33, No. 2 (Summer/Été 2023) - the Canadian Nautical Research Society

"Overall, this is a fine book, carefully written and particularly evocative of the period. New Zealand’s history, like that of every former part of the British empire, is not always an easy one to cover; this was a time when the world was changing, with the eponymous ship in many ways a relic almost before she was completed – and certainly by the time her short but eventful career was over."

Warship Annual - 2023

This is a much needed book that covers the story of the ship. But it isn’t just the story of the ship, as it builds in the manner of her building via the political, social and economic situation in New Zealand at the beginning of the 20th century. This part of the story alone is revealing as it exposes major differences of opinion about the defence of the Empire between the peoples and governments of New Zealand, Australia and the ‘Home Country’. The contribution of the major characters is assessed in detail.

The life of the ship is well written, making good use of diaries and journals of some of the crew. In particular the action reports give more insight into not only the ship’s experiences, but into the battles themselves, so add to the understanding of Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank and Jutland.

Many photographs and illustrations used have not been published before.

A welcome addition to any naval enthusiasts collection.

Nigel Denchfield, IPMS Battleship Group

In The Battlecruiser New Zealand: A Gift to Empire, Matthew Wright provides such insight, focusing on a singular ship that sits at the intersection of some of that period’s most important events, themes, and trends.

Nautical Research Journal 67:4 (Winter 2022)

"It is well produced, photos include original builders plans, and it is a recommended read for
anyone interested in both naval and wider New Zealand history."

South West Soundings - The Newsletter of the South West Maritime History Society - December 2021, No 118

"Matthew Wright, the author of The Battlecruiser New Zealand has provided an interesting piece of history previously unknown to the reviewer. It is exceptionally well referenced quoting from both New Zealand and British sources and includes many interesting illustrations."

John M Bingeman - Royal Naval Sailing Association

Featured in

Great War IPMS, Great War SIG newsletter – October 2021

"Highly recommended."

Dreadnought, The Newsletter of the Battleship Special Interest Group: No. 179 October 2021

"This is a highly recommended book, that is a joy to read, even for those with only a vague interest in the Royal Navy and its history in the early part of the 20th century."

Les Brown, Small Warships

"The Battlecruiser New Zealand is a very fine book about a most remarkable ship."

Read the review here

Australian Naval Institute

Within the book are photographs, ships drawings, appendices with HMS New Zealand technical characteristics and costings, plus an extensive bibliography and notes. A foreword by Nick Jellicoe, grandson of the 1st Earl Jellicoe is a heartfelt tribute to Matthew Wright who has taken the utmost care to produce an eminently readable book on the history of the battlecruiser HMS New Zealand.

Roger Coleman, The Wessex Branch of the Western Front Association

"Hugely enjoyable and highly recommended."

Peter Wykeham-Martin, Warship World