The First

“For the first time the true story of New Zealand’s first successful
aeroplane flights and the people behind them. Extensive research
corrects more than a century of histories with a startling account
of what really happened at Glenora Park in 1911.
Considered New Zealand’s ‘Wright brothers’, Leo and Vivian
Walsh were part of a small group of remarkable men and women
pioneering motorised transport in the 1900’s. Their lives and the
careers of sisters Veronica and Doreen with their connections to
New Zealand icons like Jean Batten, Aunt Daisy and others make
this the compelling story of a generation.
The First covers tobacco cultivation and manufacturing in the
1870s, the Victorian bicycle craze, the first motorcars, the
Glenora Park flights and the upheaval of World War One and the
aftermath when aeroplane flight would be experienced by
ordinary New Zealanders for the first time.
The author’s research creates an entirely new understanding of
historic photographs featuring significant New Zealand men and
women whose lives and contributions have been mostly forgotten.
…Until now.”

Author Biography

Terry Moyle and professional artist Rosie Louise live in Kaiwaka, Northland. They are leading exponents of vector illustration. The evocative realism they create is seen in the pair’s successful art prints.