Whites Aviation

Aerial view of Tauranga, looking south down Willow Street in the CBD
Long format postcard published by Whites Aviation Ltd
Collection of Justine Neal

In 1935 New Zealand’s first aerial photography firm, known as Stewart and White Ltd. was founded. For Leo White, born in Auckland July 4^th 1906 it combined his two loves of flying and photography.

Aerial view of Mount Maunganui and Mauao, looking north-west
Postcard published by Whites Aviation Ltd
Collection of Justine Neal

His interest in flying began when, as a boy, he was out doing his paper delivery round and saw a monoplane flying over One Tree Hill. He learnt to fly at the Walsh Brother’s Flying School at Kohimarama. His first aerial photograph was of Devonport Ferry Wharf taken from a Boeing seaplane belonging to the school.

Aerial view of Waihi Beach, looking north-east
Postcard published by Whites Aviation Ltd
Collection of Justine Neal

Prior to establishing his own business Leo was a photographic contributor to the NZ Herald, the Auckland Star and the Christchurch Press. In 1926 he joined the photographic staff of the NZ Herald where, amongst other important events he covered the Napier earthquake in 1931.

Aerial view of Mangawha Heads, Northland
Long format postcard published by Whites Aviation Ltd
Collection of Justine Neal

With the outbreak of WWII in 1939 Leo joined the RNZAF and rose to the rank of Flying Officer and became the official RNZAF photographer in the Pacific. In 1945 he re-established  his business as Whites Aviation Ltd.

Aerial view of Oneroa Bay, Waiheke Island
Postcard published by Whites Aviation Ltd
Collection of Justine Neal

Leo White died at his Mt. Eden, Auckland home on December 29^th 1967 but his wonderful aerial photography depicting New Zealand’s growth over the years lives on.

References

Papers Past, The Press, 30 Dec 1967