Sunrise Over Whitford Hills

Available October 2026 – pre-order now!

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.

ISBN 9781991436153

304 pages, 230 x 153 mm