Chiller

Patea, Taranaki, NZ, early 2012. An early attempt at making a video- I think I’ve improved (ever so slightly) since. This was filmed at a favorite location in Taranaki, the Patea Coolstores. Just walking around the place gives me the creeps- hence the horror-esque soundtrack. Happy Halloween folks!

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The Watchtower of the Plains

Manaia, South Taranaki, NZ, August 2012: The Manaia Redoubt- constructed around 1880 on the site of the former pā Te Takahe- was the response by the local armed constabulary to the passive resistance of the Parihaka chief, Te Whiti, and his followers. The original wooden watchtower (35 feet high)- blown down in a storm and […]

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Photon II

Wellington, NZ, 2012: Double exposures captured in camera on a twenty-dollar toy camera called the “Photon“. One of many versions of the now famous Diana, the Photon sports a “Superior” f/8 lens with only one shutter speed of 1/50th of a second. Infamous for their dubious construction, soft focus, light leaks and vignetting, they are […]

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The Cres

Wellington, Jan 2012: Visited this infamous Wellington suburb two years ago, just as the demolition of 88 state houses had begun. The area had gained national attention due to Mongrel Mob gang members terrorising other residents, and their ensuing refusal to abide by eviction notices. As of last visit the proposed new state houses were […]

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Turuturu

Hawera, Taranaki, NZ, Dec 2012: The historic Maori pa site of Turuturumōkai, as of mid 2012 was in a terrible state of neglect. However in the duration, a group of local volunteers have taken it upon themselves to return this important maori (and pakeha) archaological site to how it used to look. It’s fantastic that […]

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WT

Bulls, Rangitikei, NZ, March 2012: This iconic water tower at Bulls, has been a well known landmark on SH1 for half a century or so. Looking like a cross between a mushroom and a UFO, it’s always been a favorite structure of mine on the road between Taranaki and Wellington.

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Tokaora

Taranaki, NZ, September 2012: Unlike all the other abandoned schools I’ve photographed, this one has a happy ending… Tokaora school- which has been empty for at least a decade- now has new pupils. A nearby school had to move premises, so have given this little country school a new lease of life…

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