Gordon Ogilvie

Background

Born in Christchurch, Ogilvie grew up at Horotane Valley where his father was an orchardist.

Education

He was educated at Street Andrew"s College, Canterbury University and Victoria University.

Career

He played a considerable role in uncovering the exploits of pioneer aviator Richard Pearse and popularising these for the first time through his 1973 work The Riddle of Richard Pearse. His other major biography,, is the first full account of this significant figure in New Zealand literature. After completing a diploma in post-primary teaching he eventually returned to Street Andrew"s College as head of English, a position he held for 24 years.

He retired from teaching in 1993 to take up writing full-time.

His output includes three biographies, a range of regional, church, club, school, family and business histories, contributions to the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography and Historic Buildings of New Zealand: South Island (1983), innumerable feature articles and reviews as well as two guide books and were New Zealand Book of the Year finalists.

Achievements

• Ogilvie was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2008 New Year Honours for services to historical research. In 2000 he was awarded a Doctor of Letters by Canterbury University for his contribution to the region"s literature. He received an Arts Excellence Award from the Canterbury Community Trust in 1998.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Riddle of Richard Pearse

    (Book by Ogilvie, Gordon)

  • The Riddle of Richard Pearse: the Story of New Zealand'sPioneer Aviator and Inventor
  • The Port Hills of Christchurch