Discover the captivating history of Aranui and Wainoni through the passion and dedication of Tim Baker, a local historian who turned his curiosity into a lifelong pursuit.

In 1999, Tim embarked on a journey to explore the area he grew up in, originally aiming to create a booklet for new residents to the area. What began as a six-month project evolved into seven and a half years of meticulous research, documenting the region's rich past and the fascinating contributions of Professor Bickerton, including the TB sanatorium, a commune, fireworks factory, zoo, and Wainoni Park.

Tim’s efforts resulted in multiple books and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the stories of the suburbs he loves so much. Today, he’s a valued member of the New Brighton and District Historical Museum, committed to preserving the early memories of living in the area. He owns over three hundred books on early life in Christchurch and surrounds and until recently, published calendars featuring historical photographs for the local community.

Get free access to Tim’s books in PDF format and videos of Aranui pre quakes below and stay tuned for the return of his popular historical walk and talks, set to relaunch in Spring/Summer 2025.