The battlecruiser New Zealand : a gift to empire / Matthew J. Wright.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foreword / Nick Jellicoe -- Introduction -- The Prussia of the Pacific -- An impetuous offer? -- Politics of construction -- Hero of the day -- First World War -- Jutland -- The last voyage.

Appendix 1: Selected engineering particulars -- Appendix 2: Loan and purchase costs.

"This book tells the story of HMS New Zealand, a battlecruiser paid for by the government of New Zealand at the height of its pro-Imperial 'jingo' era in 1909. Born of the collision between New Zealand's patriotic dreams and European politics, the tale of HMS New Zealand was also wrapped in the turbulent power-plays of the Admiralty in the years leading up to the First World War. Once in Europe, the ship went on to have a distinguished career in the First World War, when she was present in all three major naval battles - Heligoland, Dogger Bank and Jutland - in the North Sea. At the great battle off Jutland she expended more rounds of ammunition than any other British ship. The book tackles many of the myths associated with the ship and her construction, including the intent of the gift, New Zealand's ability to pay, deployment, and the story behind the piupiu (warrior's skirt) and hei tiki (pendant) that the crew believed, bestowed special protection upon the vessel."--Book jacket.