Ross Webb, Otago University Press and Unity Books Wellington warmly invite you to the launch of The Cost of Living by Ross Webb.
The Cost of Living: Union politics and economic crisis in New Zealand, 1975-87 is an authoritative account of the rise and fall of New Zealand’s largest union body, the Federation of Labour (FOL), during perhaps the most turbulent era in our modern history. To be launched by NZCTU President Sandra Grey.
Wednesday 14th October
6:00 – 7:30pm
Unity Books
57 Willis Street, Wellington
RSVP to publicity@otago.ac.nz by Wednesday 7th October.
About the book
‘A compelling narrative account of each stage of the story … This is high-quality historical journalism.’—Geoff Bertram
The Cost of Living examines power, conflict and the consequences of economic change, situating the FOL within the defining economic battles of its era – over wages, inflation and living standards. In doing so, it offers timely historical context for current discussions about workers’ rights, inequality and economic policy.
About the author
Ross Webb is an historian based in Lower Hutt. He holds a PhD in history from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, and is a co-author of Te Hau Kāinga: The Māori home front during the Second World War (Auckland University Press, 2024).