From Local Legend to National Triumph: H &J Smith Book Tops NZ Charts

Southlanders have rallied behind one of the regions most iconic stories with the H & J Smith commemorative book soaring to number one on the New Zealand Paper Plus Top 20 best selling books chart.

The achievement is remarkable given the book is available exclusively through only nine Paper Plus stores across Southland and Otago along with a small selection of independent retailers.

The book was published to honour one of Southlands most loved institutions and the generations of people whose lives were shaped by the H & J Smith experience.

Photo: Supplied

From family outings to special purchases and the iconic tearooms the book has become a symbol of shared memory, pride and connection.

Acton Smith says the response has been overwhelming and deeply meaningful for the family.

“It is incredibly moving to see how strongly Southlanders have embraced this book. H & J Smith has always belonged to the community as much as it belonged to our family. This milestone shows how deeply people care about the legacy and the stories held within these pages.”

Managing Director Jason Smith says the book was never created to chase commercial success but to preserve an important part of Southlands identity.

“To see it reach the top of the national best seller list is humbling and powerful. We wrote this book to capture the heart of a place that shaped all of us. This result tells us the heart still beats strong.”

Author Clive Lind whose long career in journalism and storytelling has captured many defining Southland moments says the public response reflects the depth of connection people have with the store and its legacy.

Naked Creative director Carla Forbes who led the PR campaign for the launch says the community response is a reflection of Southlands pride in its own narrative.

“The level of engagement has been extraordinary. People have shared beautiful heartfelt stories about what the building and the store meant to them. For many this was where they had childhood adventures, bought their first suit, met loved ones or gathered as families. Southlanders do not just remember H & J Smith they feel it. This book has tapped directly into that sense of belonging and community identity.”

Carla says the success demonstrates the strength of regional storytelling and the value placed on preserving history.

“This milestone shows that Southland celebrates its own history with pride. It reminds us that our stories matter and that when we tell them well the community responds.”

With demand continuing the book is expected to remain a treasured keepsake across the region capturing a chapter of Southlands heritage that continues to resonate with thousands.