Currently, I am writing a history of Captain John Howell and the Murihiku Southland homestead named Fairlight Station (established 1869).  I began writing a casual description celebrating the homestead building as over its 150^th year of heritage that still survives and flourishes. The storyline resolves how and who determined agriculture as the legacy of this well-known Run #352. The history of Fairlight Station.represents sustainable farming, and its community of diverse residents. The document also includes the property's ownership and activity through to the present. The more I enjoy this project, the more endearing it becomes. The manuscript should be ready by 2025.

Beyond the writing, the illustrations in this book allowed me to enhance Captain John Howell 's personality and environment as a vital and dynamic New Zealand location.He was a true pioneer, and a recognized leader of a group of enterprising entrepreneurs who lived and supported their southern environment. Ofter called 'The White Māori', Captain Howell was a man true to his epoch. His life helped bridge pre-colonial New Zealand with the Victorian era and beyond.  Studying this man and his achievements has helped me understand more of the scope of Murihiku Southland’s contribution to New Zealand history.

 

Mari Hill Harpur: Photographer & Author 

 

 

 

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