Rugby Jamboree III update 3

Rugby Jamboree III – Peter Bush Collection

Peter Bush was legendary in rugby circles.  Bushy was a photographer with an adventurous soul. Born in the small community of Kumara, on the West Coast of the South Island, he loved the outdoors.  As a young man he joined the merchant navy and travelled the world.  Back in New Zealand he enjoyed tramping.

Taking his camera with him he began a career in photography. Coming from a rugby background (his Uncle Ron Bush was an All Black), he became recognised for snapping some great rugby moments.  However Bushy was much more than just a rugby photographer.  He photographed major New Zealand events such as the Maori land march, the royal visits, and the Wahine disaster. Outside of work his engaging personality, and stories of his adventures endeared him to any listener.  Hardworking Bushy was awarded the gold bib by New Zealand Rugby allowing him side-line access to any rugby game.

Passing away in December 2023 he was pleased to know his collection of photos, estimated to be in excess of 300,000 has been received by Te Manawa Museum in partnership with the New Zealand Rugby Museum and the Bush family.

Project archivist Evan Greensides will be speaking at Rugby Jamboree III about the huge task of making the Peter Bush photo collection available for future use.  Preserving the originals, identifying each individual image, digitising them, and entering the data into an eventual massive database. Then connecting the end user to the image required.

In addition a select number of hardcopies of Bushy’s works from the Hard on the Heels exhibition will be available for sale at the Rugby Jamboree. Bushy’s signature is either on the front or back of each one.

Plus we will be inviting small groups to go into the workspace where the Peter Bush images are to have a look at the operations.

Rugby Jamboree III is on the weekend of 13-14 April 2024

The New Zealand Rugby Museum will once again be hosting rugby-minded people.  If you have a collection worth bragging about, a pet project to show off, an idea for a book, a growing website or a much needed database - come along and share.  Poets, musicians, playwrights and quilt makers are welcome too.

At Te Manawa, 326 Main St, Palmerston North.

Email- stephen@rugbymuseum.co.nz

Phone 06 358 6947 (8.30am-5pm)

Message us on Facebook:  The New Zealand Rugby Museum