Louise FisherLouise Fisher

Louise Fisher is from London, England and lives in Auckland. She writes to make her Cocker Spaniel, Alfie, proud.

The story of Seacliff, the most haunted place in New Zealand

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A short history of the Otago hospital that was initially known for its “enlightened” attitude to mental health, and later became notorious for mistreatment and abuse. Content warning: contains historical ableist language and descriptions of inhumane medical treatment Around 30 kilometres north of Dunedin lie the remains of a once thriving psychiatric hospital. This is Seacliff, … Read more

The rise and fall of New Zealand’s largest water park 

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How Waiwera Hot Pools went from New Zealand’s most visited water park to dereliction and decay.  Many who grew up in Auckland likely have fond memories of Waiwera Hot Pools. Like me, they remember summer days spent racing down the slides and playing in the naturally hot pools.  But how did this small town just … Read more

The forgotten history of Auckland’s first amusement park

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On Auckland’s waterfront more than 90 years ago, thousands of people flocked to our very own Luna Park. Louise Fisher recounts its short, trouble-plagued history. Long before there was a Disneyland or Six Flags, there was Luna Park in Auckland. Operating from 1926 to 1931, the park’s main attraction was the ‘big dipper’, a gentle … Read more