This month we were super-excited to get The Great New Zealand Songbook across our desks. The too-cute book is filled with handwritten lyrics and notes from  some of New Zealand's greatest musicians and the two CD set is filled with tunes that will instantly remind every Kiwi of home.

We set the team the task of picking their favourites - see what you think of their choices, let us know your own and you could win your own copy of the Great New Zealand Songbook!

Name: Liselle, music editor
Song book pick: ‘Gutter Black’ Hello Sailor
Because: No one can refute Hello Sailor’s evolutionary contribution to NZ rock and there’s a lot more to this song than its more recent usage as the Outrageous Fortune title track. Classically kiwi, in its westie-conjuring, rock n’ roll come ‘Ponsonby Reggae’  stylings, this track has stood the test of time to still be rocking the airwaves since its release in the 70s.

Name: Angela, support manager
Song book pick: ‘Bathe In The River' – Hollie Smith
Because: Hollie Smith’s voice is absolutely sensational.  This song is in the soundtrack of Toa Fraser’s film No. 2. It makes me want to laugh and cry all at the same time – I sing along in my mind, enjoying not just the beautiful song, but the celebration of NZ talent that it represents.

Name: Shannon, fashion flossie
Song book pick: ‘Better Be Home Soon’ - Crowded House
Because: When I travel back to my home town Gisborne I plug my Ipod into the radio and blast my favourite hits to make the trip less tiresome. Crowded House have so many great hits but this one is a particular fave that’s always on my playlist. Try singing it at the top of your lungs, you’ll love it even more!

Name: Nadia, campaign manager
Song book pick: ‘Sitting Inside My Head’ Supergroove
Because: I never thought much of them (probably because I was just a wee thing when they were first out) but I saw them in concert not too long ago and they were awesome! Whenever I hear any of their songs I think of these eccentric old dudes (not really old but you know) and Che Fu popping around the stage – very cool!

Name: Ramarea, nzgirl editor
Song book pick: ‘Cool Me Down’ The Black Seeds
Because: Whenever I hear this song I immediately think of blue skies, warm sun and golden sand – it’s such a summer song (perfecting to help you through the winter blues!). It’s so mellow and catchy, I could seriously listen to it all day long – just try and stop me from pushing the repeat button!

Isla, Flossie content producer
Song book pick: ‘April Sun in Cuba’ Dragon
Because: This song is so emotive for me – every time I hear it I instantly think of nights out with my friends, all of us singing along as loud as poss, with a bit of crazy dancing thrown in for good measure. The last time I heard it was at one of my good friend’s weddings and true to form, we all got on the dance floor and started singing up a storm. It was such a poignant moment – we all realised how much life has changed since the times when we first started singing along!



We’ve got two premium copies of The Great New Zealand Songbook and two copies of the CD to give away to some lucky nzgirls! To get yourself in the draw simply visit the official Great New Zealand Songbook site to see the complete list of songs featured on the compilation and then tell us your fav!