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 4th 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 29th 1967 but his wonderful aerial photography depicting New Zealand’s growth over the years lives on.
References
Papers Past, The Press, 30 Dec 1967
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