Doris Swadling

One of Taranaki’s great philanthropists was Doris Swadling. She was born on the 29th of December 1904, the only child of William and Sarah Swadling. She died in 1960 and left behind a Trust Fund that many people have benefited from while studying in the fields of Music and Agriculture.

But who was this person, what was her upbringing, and what made her decide to devote so much of her time and money helping others?

Two of her surviving family members, Dorothy Davies and Eric Johnson look back over her life, and together with Hawera Brass Band spokesman Bill Croucher, and historian Arthur Fryer, we hear some of the untold stories that made up the colourful life of Doris Swadling.

The Audio History Charitable Trust of New Zealand wish to thank the NZ Lotteries Trust for their support in the making of this Audio Documentary.

The Taranaki Heritage Series, copyright 2008.

A Sound Snapshot Production, produced and narrated by Hamish Guthrie.