08/07/2026
54 years in the making, over 2 years in the writing, now Mark Law and author Ron Crosby https://www.roncrosby.co.nz are pleased to announce the launch of their book, "Lucky You're Tough", in partnership with Allen & Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand https://www.allenandunwin.co.nz .
A special thanks to everyone who who has contributed to our stories, Emma and her amazing team from Allen & Unwin, my friends, my close mates, my family, wife Chanel and lastly Ron Crosby and his wife Margy.
Following the Judges decision to convict Kahu NZ of the criminal charges brought by WorkSafe following the Whakaari White Island eruption, Ron offered with gentle insistence to write a book about some of my life's exploits and the rescue from Whakaari White Island of its survivors. A portion of the books sales will be used to help pay my WorkSafe fine of nearly $200K.
Allen & Unwin are releasing the book publicly on the 18th August. We are planning three book launches in a few selected areas - Blenheim, Whakatane and Whangamomona. Dates, times and venues for each will be advised in due course. "Lucky You're Tough" can be pre ordered now and or purchased at all book stores from the 18th August onwards.
Lastly thanks to my Mum who whenever any of us three boys fell off the horse, stubbed a toe, crashed off the bike or were in pain, would make a quick assessment and revert immediately to "Lucky You're Tough", like it was the go to medicine to fix all pain. Thankfully after hearing it enough times, I believed her and throughout my life I have subconsciously just got on with it regardless of the pain, be it physical or mental.
We are excited to be publishing Lucky You're Tough by Mark Law with Ron Crosby, coming 18 August.
Lucky You're Tough chronicles the life of Hero Whakaari helicopter pilot and former NZSAS soldier, Mark Law, from growing up in the rural wilds of Whangamōmona through to surviving a series of life-threatening events that would shape his life and career.
After a career as a badged soldier in the NZSAS that led to an intriguing stint with the British SAS and then working as private security in active war zones, Mark returned to NZ to start his own helicopter business, Kāhu NZ. While on a sunny day off on 9 December 2019, he got the call that Whakaari/White Island was erupting. All those years of service and expertly trained instincts led to a split-second decision: Mark and his Kāhu NZ colleagues would fly to the erupting volcano to rescue any survivors they could find.
This daring rescue mission would ensure that Mark and the other pilots were able to comfort the injured, as well as to fly those 12 stranded survivors off the island. Mark's decision led to himself and his fellow heroic pilots being awarded medals for bravery by the New Zealand government.
Lucky You're Tough is a story of service, adventure, humour and resilience, and surviving when the odds are against you.
