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Don Oakley

Camera

As an intrepid young cameraman for the National Film Unit, Don Oakley travelled to remote parts of New Zealand and brought to the screen scenes of the recently-rediscovered takahē, Opo the dolphin, and life in the backblocks. In a lengthy career, he also filmed in the studio and overseas, rising to be chief cameraman of the NFU.

We were advised by Southern Scenic Airways that to assure maximum co-operation from the whitebaiters at Martin's Bay we should take a bottle of whisky in for them. I did this and attach receipt. I would be pleased if you could arrange reimbursement of the amount - £1.17.6. In a 1961 memo from Don Oakley to Geoffrey Scott (Manager of the NFU).