Much loved & respected Bert Mercer started New Zealand (NZ)'s 1st licensed airline with his De Havilland Fox Moth in 1934 servicing the rugged, west coast of NZ's South Island. His airline, Air Travel (NZ) Ltd, grew in scope & popularity & provided valuable service during WW2. It ceased operations when subsumed by NZ's nationalisation of its airlines in 1947. Mercer himself died tragically as a passenger in one of his own aircraft in 1944. Hope you find it interesting. Cheers.

https://youtu.be/axpEotPaHYQ?si=Snph2ZeanMFU-Ezp