Portraits of New Zealand

Johnny Clark, the owner of Nin’s Bin, a favourite roadside stop for both locals and visitors, serving up the true taste of Kaikōura: freshly caught crayfish and mussels.

For Brett Cowan, giving back to his local Kaikōura community is important, especially following the November 2016 7.8 magnitude earthquake. The community’s positive embrace of the evolving landscape helped them band together and rebound stronger than ever.

Nicole Thomas Mafreka, a sheepherder and weaver, is all smiles at the Nelson Market, a gathering point for almost 40 years for artisans in this South Island community.

Carver Fumio Noguchi at the Nelson Market. Located in the town’s Montgomery Square, the weekly Saturday Market is known for its handmade crafts (pottery to jewellery to woodwork) and artisanal foods (peanut butter, jams, and cheeses), while the Sunday Market is a treasure trove of antiques.

Many New Zealanders move to the Nelson Tasman region for the friendly, laid-back, creative community, bathed in consistent sunshine. It’s easy for visitors to quickly feel at home, too.

Rosie Finn is the brand manager of Neudorf Vineyards, one of many in Nelson's boutique wine region.

Te Taru White is a kaumātua, or respected Māori elder. He’s seen here at the Te Takinga Marae, a Māori community centre, in Rotorua.

Kirimatao West is a guide at Te Puia, Rotorua, where she’s proudly shared personal stories of her whānau, or family, and their connection to the region’s geothermal wonders with visitors for decades.

Guide Huia Clayton takes in views from Te Puia - a cultural centre for New Zealand's Māori community, and geothermal wonders.

Tame Hotene of the Mataatua Marae stands tall prior to the start of a pōwhiri, a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony that grants visitors respectful entry into the marae.

Members from the Mataatua Marae stand proud at the Kapu Te Rangi Historic Reserve in Whakatāne, one of the oldest known Māori settlement sites in New Zealand.