Richard Pearse 1877 1953

A DigitalNZ Story by Donna Robertson

Richard Pearse was a South Canterbury inventor, engineer and farmer and is famous for being one of the first people to leave the ground in a powered aircraft. His life and work have inspired books (including a novel), poetry, stamps, two television documentaries, and three stage plays.

aviation, aviator, richard pearse

Image: Richard Pearse

Richard Pearse

NZ On Screen

Image: Richard Pearse. 2 January 2009.

Richard Pearse. 2 January 2009.

Alexander Turnbull Library