Historian on the search for Far North soldiers' photos

Many of those who served in France were from the Far North of New Zealand.

A history of the Mangonui County's role in World War I is nearing completion, but historian Kaye Dragicevich is still looking for photos of some of those from the very Far North who served.

She is now hoping that sports clubs, families and perhaps marae can fill some of the gaps courtesy of of team photos taken prior to 1914.

She would be very grateful for the opportunity to scan any such photos, and return them to their owners the same day.

"Please hunt around in your archives, or wherever you keep old photos, and give me a call on (09) 406-7389 or text me on (0210) 842-3700," she said.

"I've been working away on this project for a while now, and have not had much success locating many soldiers' photos.

"What I have found though is that many were in sports teams, rugby or cricket, even soccer teams, before they enlisted, so I am hoping that clubs or families will be able to find some of them."

Te Ahu Museum had found a couple of 1908 rugby team photos, from Mangatete and Victoria Valley, but she suspected there would be "heaps more" hiding away in family suitcases or biscuit tins, if not hanging on walls.