Kerikeri from the air

1920s

The earliest photographs of Kerikeri from the air are attributed to Frank Douglas Mill who lived from 1899-1990.  Frank Douglas Mill, known as Doug, is considered to be the founder of modern commercial aviation in New Zealand, and was among the first to start importing private aircraft into New Zealand after WWI as agent for de Havilland aeroplanes. He also imported the first aeroplane for commercial use, which at the time was the most modern aircraft in NZ (1928). He started the first commercial operation - the Air Survey and Transport Co, which conducted the first civil aerial photography surveys in the country.  He used a plate camera as well as a Williamson Eagle aero camera - which was still used in WWII for aerial reconnaissance.

Photographer notes mention that it is known that on occasion his wife Audrey would operate the camera by leaning out of the open cockpit while Doug himself piloted the plane.  The dashing couple with a passion for flying operated their air transport and survey business from a hangar at Hobsonville Point between 1927-1937.

Whites Aviation 1930s

Whites Aviation Ltd was established in 1945 by Leo White (1906-1967) to produce a series of popular illustrated publications of aviation history and aerial photography. White began to freelance as a photographer in the 1920s, and later worked for the Weekly News. He was closely involved with aviation in Auckland 1920s-1930s, and pioneered aerial photography in the region. He compiled 'Wingspread, a history of New Zealand aviation', in 1941; and served as a photographer with the RNZAF during WWII. During the early 1950s he covered New Zealand by air, taking photographs for 'Whites pictorial reference of New Zealand'.

Aotearoa from the air : Te Kupenga 

Edward Selby Little came to New Zealand from China where he had business interests.  He built this house in 1929 on what is now Hone Heke Road, and it is now a community centre known as Kingston House.  It was through ES Little's enthusiastic advocacy many ex-patriots from China settled in Kerikeri.    

Whites Aviation 1947

Though described as "market gardens" these blocks of land are orchards of tree tomatoes / tamarillos, oranges and lemons. 

The Planting of Kerikeri

Whites Aviation 1950s

Whites Aviation - 1960s, 1970s and 1980s

Peter Hardcastle's photographs from FNDC Libraries ReDiscovery's Hardcastle collection, Proctor Library Kerikeri 

1990s