Tatou; Faces of Southland

Thursday 18 January - Thursday 15 February
Exhibition near 2degrees and Mobile King at Invercargill Central

From tireless volunteers to local sports clubs, charities and more, this exhibition highlights the multifaceted contributions that collectively weave the social fabric of Southland.

Each frame invites viewers to delve into the narratives of these unsung heroes, fostering a deeper connection with the community that surrounds us.

Each image has been shot in a film photography style to keep the the raw feeling of each story within this exhibit.

Greg Houkamau

As a teenager, I faced two choices – the potentially disastrous path I was veering towards or a new one.

Born in Ōtautahi and raised in Murihiku, Greg's early years were steeped in Te Reo me ōna Tikanga, thanks to local Kapa Haka groups and time spent at the Murihiku Marae. When Greg faced his pivotal moment as a teenager, a local kaumatua gave him the opportunity to move to Dunedin, marking the start of a transformative journey. "Being supported to make that positive choice is a gift I want to continue passing on to taiohi today," he says. Greg is now a Rangatahi Advisor with Active Southland, and focuses on guiding taiohi, particularly those of Māori, Pasifika, and disabled backgrounds, towards rewarding life paths through active recreation. In his spare time, Greg carves wood, a skill he picked up in his teenage years, and represents New Zealand in Touch Rugby. Greg's life is a testament to the power of positive choices and the impact one can have on the next generation.

Anne Dymond

Makes you feel comfortable and safe, no matter the hour.

Anne is a beacon of compassion and capability in Southland's maternity circles. Her reach is extensive, covering not just the local community but also extending to Te Anau, Queenstown, Wanaka, and beyond. Fluent in multiple languages, Anne's care transcends language barriers, making her an invaluable asset to refugees. Her international volunteer work in less fortunate countries adds another layer to her already impressive impact, making her a cornerstone of compassionate care in the community.

Word from me; Stan/Black Feather Studio

I’ve always loved hearing stories on local legends that do amazing behind the scenes work to many places around Southland. ‘A moment in time’ was something I read at an exhibition overseas many years ago, and a photo is just that.

This exhibition showcases just a small number of the unsung heroes within our community.

I want to express my gratitude to Lou Evans, the mastermind behind Wee Magazine and Lemon Creative, for bringing the words behind the photos to life.