After 4 months of Salmon hunting, I have taken up my camera again.  Did should the occasional pic in the salmon season, but it was hard to do both.

Autumn is here….. so

Canty Uni, AUTUMN 2015

I’ve just created a new page, and a new link on the home page for Astrophotography

Had a week in Vanuatu without any planning.  My base was Port Vila, the capital, which was situated on the island of Efate.  When I was there, I discovered that I should have gone to the island of Tanna to the world’s most accessible live volcano.  Never mind – next time.

I think Vanuatu is at a cross-road.  Soon tourism will take a deeper grip of life there, and the quiet simple life will change.  I am glad I was there before the big changes come.

I quietly explored the nearby island and walked through some of the villages.  The people were genuine, and I was so touched when I got invited for lunch. The people are generally happy despite, if compared to the NZ scenes, they have little.  They actually have a lot without realising it.  They are generous, curious, and very happy to pose for photographs!.

Photographic-wise, I had thought I could do heaps of Astrophotography – but when I was there, the sky was usually cloudy and variable, and I wasn’t sure about the accessibility of the other islands which will give me the dark skies.

Albert of Ifira

Is this the new scene of New Zealand pictures….?

Palmerston North – Money for a pie please

My recent trip up the north of the South Island, and 2 major cities in the North Island was a photo opportunity.  However, walking around with my camera, I also noticed something has changed since I was last in these cities.  There are more “Anawims” in the cities – “the unprotected”, people who are materially poor and are on the street begging or counting on goodwill of others.  (See my Blog on Hone Ma Heke)

On the main street of Palmerston North, I came across 3 at the same time.  One asked for some money for a pie…… I returned with a pie, and a chat.

Is this the new scene of New Zealand pictures?

(click ‘PEOPLE”, Palmerston North)