On the surface, Pōrangahau is a classic Aotearoa coastal village. Across the river bridge, a turn-of-the-century timber hotel stands prominent. Opposite, a blindingly blue Tip Top dairy serves ice cream, fish’n’chips, and mail. The corner garage has a car on one hoist, a tractor on the other, and a quad bike waiting its turn. Past the fire station the wharenui-like war memorial hall lies waiting, too, for the next community fundraiser or ANZAC service. ..a classic colonial church sits behind a white picket fence. There’s salt in the air and tūī in the trees. This is about as Kiwi as it gets. This book tells their stories of isolation, joy, architecture, and humour.