This significant collection of historic photography offers a substantial visual record of Aotearoa New Zealand during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, a period of profound transformation for the peoples of this land. Assembled over several decades by Roger Ward (1945–2023)*, whose deep affection for Aotearoa New Zealand shaped much of his life and collecting, this unique photographic collection reflects a sustained engagement with the country’s history and culture. It was brought together with dedication, discernment and considerable expertise.
The collection comprises more than 1,500 original photographs documenting communities, landscapes and the built environment at formative moments in the country’s history. Distinguished by its depth, coherence and quality, the collection includes original prints, stereoviews and cartes-de-visite rather than later reproductions. Many works were created by prominent professional photographers working in Aotearoa during the colonial era, including: The Burton Brothers (New Zealand), Josiah Martin (New Zealand), and brothers James and George Valentine (Scotland). Together, these images reflect the development of photography as both a documentary practice and a commercial enterprise, while also recording the sweeping social, cultural and environmental changes taking place across the country.
A notable strength of the collection lies in its breadth of subject matter. Expansive landscapes, townscapes and architectural views are complemented by portraits and ethnographic studies, including photographs of Māori individuals and groups, marae and carving traditions. These images provide insight into how Aotearoa was visually represented and circulated in the nineteenth century, both locally and internationally.
We recognise the importance of honouring the mana, tikanga and cultural significance embodied in images of Māori people and places, and we are committed to approaching their presentation with respect and responsibility.
The collection will be presented as an online-only timed auction running 24.04.26—10.05.26, with selected highlights available for public viewing at Webb’s Mount Eden Gallery, exhibited alongside the Material Culture Live Auction catalogue.
Roger Ward, who was born in Otago in 1945 and died in 2023, began forming his remarkable collection of photographs following his retirement from a highly successful career in book marketing, a profession that made him an international figure in publishing and bookselling. Despite living much of his life overseas, he remained closely connected to Aotearoa New Zealand and returned frequently for extended periods, eventually purchasing a property near Mārahau, Nelson, where he spent his final years. His enduring affection for Aotearoa New Zealand, together with a sustained engagement with its history and culture, is expressed through this distinctive photographic collection, assembled with care, discernment and deep knowledge of the medium.
An Important Collection of Historic New Zealand Photography Part I | He Kohinga o ngā Whakaahua ō-Mua o Aotearoa Kohinga 1 (#188AD)
Webbs auctions, New Zeland
24 April-10 May 2026, online
Details: https://auctions.webbs.co.nz/auctions/catalog/id/946?
Image: James Valentine, Pool of Bathers, Whakarewarewa
Comments
Photographs in this auction attributed to James Valentine were in fact taken by John Samuel Powell of Valentine & Sons. Powell spent several months travelling in New Zealand in 1892, building a substantial body of work that includes many of the fine images offered here.