Honest Means
Mountain Days

Journeys in New Zealand's Highcountry

The photographic life of high-country shepherd Dave Osmers.

Welcome traveler.

This is the story of my late grandfather, Dave Osmers.

Dave was a high-country musterer between 1950-1963. In his work he shared a glimpse of the mountains, men, women, dogs, horses and many many sheep and cattle who once inhabited NZ's great southern High Country, and made it their home.

Using high-fidelity scans of film negatives, Dave's memories are given form in this online retelling of his journey.

Honest Means is a 4-chapter story of bracken and smoke. Of boots and long roads - cold rivers & sheer mountains. Of journeys together, and finally, of coming home.

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