'New Zealand Odyssey', published in 1989 by Heinemann, was authored by me, Don Donovan (who did the text and illustrations) and Euan Sarginson, who did the photography and design. In this series of blog posts, I will publish some of my drawings.
On State Highway No. 6 between Nelson and Havelock, it's quite possible that this garage is the same today as it was in 1988 when I did this illustration. It's typical of country garages in New Zealand where you not only expect to find petrol and oil but also anything to do with machinery and its repair: cars, trucks, utes, tractors, mowers, chainsaws, milking machines, sewing machines, panel beating, service, tyres, batteries and accessories.
I speculate that Rai Valley Motors is the hub of an enormous land area because it not only sits at the heart of farmlands to its south, west and east but is also a jumping off point for the western Marlborough Sounds and as far north as D'Urville Island.
© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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