The papers of the Barker family includes diaries, descriptions and photographs of Jack Barker's life, including his market garden, Astora at Woodend, Kaiapoi, the development of native bush at Astora and scenic photos of New Zealand and overseas.

Includes originals and copies of other handwritten letters, diaries, photographs, certificates, invitations and newspaper clippings. The letters are mainly to Edith Joy [née Barker], Jack's sister, from servicemen friends and relations in New Zealand, France and England during World War I (1915-1919) and from South Africa in 1971.

Also included is Whitcombe's Day Book scroll diary for 1963 used by Jack Barker to record the story of his life for his nephew Charlie Stanton in Canada, including lists of native planting at Astora.