Sunrise Over Whitford Hills, Everett Thorburn
Published by Mary Egan Publishing
10 August 2026
Paperback, 304pp, RRP $40.00
Full colour photographs throughout
ISBN: 978-1-991436-15-3
Sunrise Over Whitford Hills traces the story of a 113-year-old East Tāmaki farm, purchased in 1864 by Everett Thorburn’s great-great-grandfather, William Ralph, and held in family ownership until 1977. Each day began with the rising sun over the farmhouse and working sheds, marking a life shaped by land, family, and routine.
William and Frances Ralph arrived in Auckland in 1863 aboard the John Duncan, joining other early settlers, including the Bellinghams of Whitford Hills. Their shared histories, stretching from Ireland and England to New Zealand, form the foundation of a deeply rooted family story.
Set on what is now Ormiston Road, the eighty-acre farm evolved from cropping oats and potatoes to dairy farming, sustaining generations until the herd was sold in 1977.
The narrative then shifts to a very different life, as Everett and his wife, Phyllis, move to London in the late 1970s and 1980s. There, they pursue opportunities in the opera world while also contributing to the international expansion of New Zealand’s dairy cattle breeding expertise.
Woven throughout is a deep appreciation of the courage and resilience of earlier generations. In reflecting on their lives, Everett explores how those inherited strengths have shaped his own journey, and how they might inspire others to embrace opportunity when it arises.
About the author
Everett Thorburn was born and raised in East Tāmaki and is the descendant of some of the area’s earliest settler families. His life has taken him from the family farm to the opera stage, from New Zealand to the United Kingdom, and into the world of international agriculture. Alongside his wife, Phyllis, he embraced opportunities that led to a rich and varied life, while never losing sight of the people and places that shaped him.
A passionate family historian and storyteller, Everett has spent many years researching and preserving the stories of earlier generations. In Sunrise Over Whitford Hills, he reflects on his family’s 113 years at Firmount, sharing the memories, values and experiences that have influenced his own remarkable journey. It is his hope that these stories will continue to inspire and connect future generations.
A Selection of the 140 Photographs Featured Throughout the Book:
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