GOOD AS GOLD: NEW ZEALAND IN THE 1980S
2023. David Bateman Publishers, 224pp, ISBN 9781776890941

‘The Eighties was as messy a decade as any other and only a historian or someone with too much time on their hands would try to find a shape within it. Matt Elliott for his softcover, coffee-table, thoroughly illustrated 190 page book Good As Gold is smart enough to just throw all the images out there which will provoke and evoke, and just walk us through the years with pictures of McPhail and Gadsby, sports and leisurewear, Rip It Up, video games, The Bone People, Billy T James, San Bran, the Rugby World Cup . . .Here too is the international impact from sport, Bowie, Dire Straits, Toshiba cassette players, Ray Bans . . .From Miss Universe to murders, the Rubik Cube to An Unfortunate Experiment at National Women’s, this page-flick book will trigger memories. Some fun ones and some not so much.‘ – Graham Reid, Elsewhere

STRAWBERRY LAND: A BIRKDALE / BEACH HAVEN LOCAL HISTORY
2022. Published by Kaipatiki Community Facilities Trust. 32pp. ISBN: 9780473642709

Recommended for schools, Years 9-14. Copies available from kcft.org.nz

WITH THE WIND BEHIND US: STORIES THAT MADE NEW ZEALAND A SAILING NATION
2020. HarperCollins, 368pp, ISBN 9781775541608

‘It’s an ambitious project but hits the mark thanks to the author’s depth of research, storytelling instinct and desire to add to the conversation, rather than simply traverse old ground…. The book achieves an ideal, yet difficult balance. It will appeal to sailing fanatics – given the depth and breadth of the topics traversed – but the crisp prose and clear explanations mean it will also be enjoyed by general sports fans and history buffs.’ – Michael Burgess, sports journalist

‘A must for all true sea dogs, sports freaks and history-minded landlubbers.’ – Waiheke Weekender

RUGBY FOLKLORE: MYTHS LEGENDS AND EVENTS THAT MADE NEW ZEALAND RUGBY
2019. HarperCollins NZ, 336pp, ISBN: 9781775541462 ISBN 10: 1775541460

‘Elliott has unearthed a copious amount of trivia, quotes, jokes and stats…There are compelling accounts of some great, barely remembered matches. And a rhythmic litany of players’ superstitions – Fox and Loveridge always put their left boots on first – is strangely compelling…A book for rugby obsessives – so it should find a wide readership, indeed.’ – Paul Little, North and South

THE KIWI: ENDANGERED NEW ZEALAND ICON
2019. Imagination Press Ltd, 146pp, and lots of cute pictures! ISBN: 9780995110458 [Out of print]

‘Matt Elliott has embarked on an exciting journey to inform his reader about this amazing bird… His chapter on the use of 1080 is perhaps one of the clearest, most reasoned pieces of writing on 1080 use that I have read… The Kiwi is the result of some extensive research, unearthing a wealth of little known information. [Elliott’s] love of history and skills as a researcher are evident in this book. The illustrations and layout of The Kiwi make this an ideal introduction to our special bird. Both visitors and locals will discover a treasure trove of information between the covers.’ – Kathy Watson, The Reader: the Booksellers NZ blog

‘Matt Elliott’s new book resembles the bird itself: idiosyncratic and engaging.’ – Christopher Moore, NZ Listener

‘A fabulous journey into the history of New Zealand’s iconic bird, anything you might want to know about kiwi and things kiwi will in all probability be covered within the covers of this new book…should be considered a ‘must have’ in every New Zealand library and home!’ – Good Teacher Magazine (Term 4 2019)

THORNY ENCOUNTERS: A HISTORY OF ENGLAND V THE ALL BLACKS
2018. Pitch Publishing, UK. Hardback, 224pages, ISBN 9781785314469

NIGHT OF THE RIOT.
2017. Salisbury Books. 155pp, 128mm x 177mm. ISBN: 9780473406141 [Out of print]

‘The earnest, upbeat tone of the text will hook young readers in. The book itself is physically on the small side, with large font, making it a very accessible text. Reluctant readers will really enjoy reading this as the pages and chapters fly by in a whimsical blur. I have no doubt that anybody reading the opening will go on to read the entire text.’ – Ian Stewart, (HOD English, St. Peter’s College, Palmerston North) for the NZ Book Council’s School Library

‘…a valuable account of town life at the start of World War I that will be enjoyed by readers who like New Zealand historical stories. Recommended for Intermediate age readers.’ – Magpies, Volume 33, Issue No.2, May 2018

WAR BLACKS: THE EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF NEW ZEALAND’S WWI ALL BLACKS
2016, HarperCollins, 320pp, ISBN: 9781775540366

Top 10 NZ Non-fiction best-seller (Nielson, 16 June 2016).

‘Deducing how many saw active service and then downloading screeds of documents about them required a great deal of effort and patience, not to mention commitment… The story about Brian McLeary, a boxing champion as well as an All Black, is one that has rarely been told and worth the book price alone…At least half a dozen books have been produced in the last couple of years, mostly in Britain, about games-playing soldiers. This ranks well with them.’ – Ron Palenski (author and historian), New Zealand Books, Autumn 2017.

‘For anybody wanting the definitive story of the All Blacks at war, this is the book that does it..A fascinating read.’ – Doris Mousedale (Arcadia Bookshop, Newmarket) on Newstalk ZB with Leighton Smith.

‘To dismiss this book as ‘just another rugby book’ would be doing it a serious disservice …for the serious collector it is a must.’ – Robin Hughes, Booksellers New Zealand.

WHEN GRANDMA CAME TO STAY and GRANDAD’S HAT
Illustrated by David William Nunn and James M Threadgold

2015 Charity project collaboration between Alzheimer’s Research UK and Eisai Pharmaceuticals to educate children about dementia. Online audio book and printed editions, 10,000 copies distributed to schools, libraries, dementia clinics, hospitals, care homes etc throughout the U.K.

KIERAN READ: TRIBUTE TO A GREAT EIGHT 
2015. David Bateman. HB, colour photos, 176pp. ISBN: 9781869539184. [Out of print]

KIWI COLLECTORS: CURIOUS AND UNUSUAL KIWI HOBBIES.
2013. HarperCollins. 136pp, colour photos. ISBN: 9781775540007 [Out of print]

‘Elliott’s collection of collectors is a treasury of New Zealand treasures, fantastically brought to life in an easy-to-read format complemented by glossy photographs of the collectors and some of their collections. Truly a New Zealand book about New Zealanders.’ – Wayne Parsons, Otago Daily Times

‘…[a] beautifully photographed book…The collections are as much about the collectors as they are the items and the author has told their story with a confortable balance of respect and interest, tempered with a touch of humour. Thank you to the many Kiwi collectors for allowing us a wee peek into your hobbies and for giving me something to add to my other collection: books.’ – Jillian Allison-Aitken, Southland Times

DAVE GALLAHER: THE ORIGINAL ALL BLACK CAPTAIN.
2012. HarperCollins. 288pp. ISBN: 9781869509682. Released in Ireland, October, 2012.

‘I was so glad I was asked to review the book because I found it really, really interesting. It was the first time I’d come across anyone really unpacking what made Dave Gallaher do the things he ended up doing. Matt Elliott went into some detail and I think the first 130 pages are just a delight.’ – Former All Black captain, Anton Oliver, Nine to Noon with Kathryn Ryan, Radio New Zealand.

‘Gallaher is a fascinating insight into a different time…the book is filled with little pearls that give you a feel for what turn-of-the-20^th century life must have been like.’ – Dylan Cleaver, NZ Herald

‘It’s Elliott’s depiction of Gallaher’s war experiences which set this book apart from bog-standard rugby biography.’ – Tony Smith, The Press

‘Inspire[s] respect for a fine leader…the busy, competitive and vital nature of the rugby scene 100 years ago comes through strongly.’ – Jack Leigh, NZ Heritage

KIWI MAN CAVES (with Steve Hale).
2011. HarperCollins,. 159pp. ISBN: 9781869509248 [Out of print]

This was very much Steve’s project but I was asked to add some humourous chapters on the sociological aspects of blokes and their precious space.

NICE DAY FOR A WAR: ADVENTURES OF A KIWI SOLDIER IN WWI (illustrated by Chris Slane).
2011. HarperCollins. 96pp. ISBN: 9781869509019 Reprinted 2012. [Out of print]

*NZ Post Children’s Book of the Year and Non-Fiction prizes, 2012.
*LIANZA Children’s Book Awards Elsie Locke Medal for Non-Fiction, 2012.
*Storylines Notable Books, 2012.
*Spent 2 weeks as top-selling NZ Children’s book.

‘Nice Day for a War is a stand-out book which offers young readers an honest glimpse into the lives of soldiers during World War I…The interplay between the illustrations and text creates a powerful, emotionally engaging story for young readers.’ – Gillian Candler, the NZ Post Children’s Book Awards Convenor of Judges

‘Framed around the diary of Elliott’s grandfather Cyril (it) splices memorabilia and text with the dramatic pictorials of a graphic novel to unveil the awful experience of our war in northwestern Europe from 1916 to 1918. Conceptually, it was probably a gamble, but it works – brilliantly…Here we have an intimate melding of art, literature, humanity and history, a synthesis giving life and a startling immediacy to their themes…this book is laden with poignancy for readers of every age.’ Matthew Wright, Listener

BILLY T: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF BILLY T. JAMES.
2009. HarperCollins. 385pp. ISBN: 9781869507053

* Debuted at #1 on the Booksellers NZ Non-Fiction list, November 2009. Spent 2 weeks there and 2 months in the top 10. * Finalist 2010 Ngä Kupu Ora/ Massey University Mäori Book Awards

‘The book is a social history of the 1960s and seventies and all the characters from that golden era in local show business are here… Matt Elliot [sic], a part-time Auckland comedian, has done Billy T proud. His is the year’s best biography.’ Warwick Roger, North and South

‘Elliot [sic] has done a fine job in setting the record straight, and reminding us of the skills, triumphs and tribulations of a man who might just possibly have been the most-loved Kiwi ever.’ Roger Hall, Listener

‘Matt Elliott does a superb job…We’re left with a greater appreciation and more affection for a man who holds a significant place in our cultural lives.’ Michele A’Court, Your Weekend

‘I knew and worked with Billy T when he was at the height of his TV success, and it was a sheer delight, a thorough professional and a gentleman! I thoroughly enjoyed every page turn. Matt has done a wonderful job at capturing the real Billy T James.’ – David Hartnell, GrownUps.co.nz

Was the basis for the telemovie, Billy (TVNZ/Comedia 2011), the fourth highest rating NZ on Air funded programme over the past 20 years, with 733,007 viewers on first screening. (Now available on DVD.)

KIWI JOKERS: THE RISE AND RISE OF NEW ZEALAND COMEDY.
1997. HarperCollins. 216pp. ISBN: 1869502485 [Out of print]

One of the primary resources for the 2019 Augusto television documentary series and Auckland University Press book, Funny As: the story of New Zealand comedy

‘Kiwi Jokers is mostly thoughtful, fast and funny…Above all the book is a good read about people we all know – or thought we knew’ – Gordon McLauchlan, NZ Herald

‘Matt Elliott’s book makes one aware of a wonderful comic tradition created in only 20 years. I greatly admire his professional use of interviews to recreate an important part of our past, one which historians could have overlooked (and probably still will).’ – Neville Bennett, New Zealand Books

‘Matt Elliott deserves our congratulations and respect just for writing this book. He’s written a well-researched and immensely readable history of a subject that has otherwise generally gone unnoticed. A talented comedian himself, he was well qualified to write this book.’ – Presto magazine