Few places, if any, in the world can equal the splendour of the natural wonders of Kaikoura. Majestic Kaikoura ranges descend into the Pacific Ocean with its wealth of abundant marine life. Kaikoura Township has dramatically changed and prospered in the past few years – driven mainly by the increase in international tourism since 1988. Progress is important but it must be well considered and with close attention to the history of the land and the needs of the people and the environment.
Started in 2002, the aim of the “48 hours in Kaikoura” exhibition was to have those who know and love Kaikoura best to capture its complexity, diversity and beauty on film. I wanted people to rediscover their environment, to give them the chance to dream a little, break out of their everyday routine, stretch the mind and muscle and open their eyes to the natural beauty that Kaikoura has to offer. The resulting collection of images celebrates their endeavours and commitment to this challenging assignment.
Weather is a ‘constant’ in the daily lives of Kaikoura people. In 48 hours the region can experience huge climatic changes and the images taken over the “48 hour weekend” held annually in August, often demonstrate this dramatically. A day that began with glorious sunshine and a calm sea can change to a black sky and a furious sea by lunch time. Just as you acclimatise yourself to the pounding southerly storm it spends itself out and by late evening the weather is calm again.
It is absolutely essential that this unique marine and coastal region is protected and enhanced for posterity. My hope is that everyone from the photographers to those just looking at the exhibition will in some way be enthused to help make even a small difference to the future of our region.
A project like this is always a team effort. Without the participating photographers we would not have the exhibition. Thank you all for your enthusiasm, wonderful images and the stories. To Andrew Spencer of Andrew Spencer Photography and Dennis and Lynette Buurman and the rest of the Encounter Kaikoura team thank you for your support and encouragement. Kaikoura will be captured as it is but it is history in the making as already some of those images will no longer be as they were on the day. And a big thank you to all our other sponsors.
Enjoy your journey of these images all taken over the chosen 48 hour weekend annually.
