I don't know about you, but it feels like this year isn't so much coming gently to a close as it is screaming headfirst towards the end like a skateboard down a steep hill - no brakes, no balance and only time will tell if we'll reach the bottom unscathed or completely demolished.
So I thought now would be a good time to take a moment to pause and reflect on the year that's been - and what better way than to pick out a few of my fav images from the year?
January - Waihī Beach
I live at one of New Zealand's favourite domestic holiday spots - but for me, summer isn't complete if I don't spend at least some part of it at Waihī Beach. I'm a little biased, since I grew up in the Western Bay, but they just do summer really well here. This year it was extra special as my brother and his family came over from Canada for their first visit in about 8 years.
I took this shot after we'd spent the day with my sister and brother and their families at the Waihī Beach Summer Festival (love a good market!!) and finished it off with fish 'n' chips and chilling in the sun at the skatepark. Bliss.
February - Ōhope Beach
There's something about the New Zealand sky that is instantly recognisable. Last summer I was inspired by Katikati artist Liz Turnbull's seascape paintings and spent a lot of time playing with low horizons and big pastel skies.
This is one of my favourites from that series - it depicts another quintessential summer activity here on the East coast, digging with your toes for tuatua shellfish.
May - Te Puia, Rotorua
I was invited back to photograph the National Libraries forum again this year, and it's always fun to see what event organiser Tania DeJonge has planned for the evening event.
This year definitely didn't disappoint as we were treated to an exceptional dinner and tour of Te Puia Geothermal Park, where they not only protect and showcase the geothermal geysers and mud pools but also have a centre dedicated to teaching and preserving Māori cultural practices like woodcarving.
This photo was taken as we were being welcomed onto the site.
July - Bluett Park, Ōhope
A moment I nearly missed... caught up in the excitement (and nervousness!) of my eldest making his senior mens' debut while also trying to get out of the rain, I had moved away from the sideline and put my camera down. Luckily I picked it up again as he scored within minutes of being on the pitch and his team went crazy.
Photos like this are my "why" for photographing sport - it's not about the goal, it's capturing the pure joy and connection.
August - Ōtautahi Christchurch
A little foray into street photography in one of my new favourite cities. I was down in Christchurch for the NZIPP Photo Show and in between brand shoots and conference workshops I took my camera wandering.
August - Nusa Dua, Bali
I travelled to Bali for a travel conference and we were lucky enough to stay at the Westin Nusa Dua Resort. Since my body clock decided my new wake-up time was roughly 5am I decided to make the most of it and spend every morning down on the beach either swimming as the sun rose (highly recommend!) or hunting out interesting new foregrounds to showcase it.
I love this shot not only for the glorious colour (#nofilterneeded) but for the quiet moment of reflection of this family.
Top tip - when you're waiting on the sunrise and about to give up as it's getting light... wait just a little bit longer until you're sure the sun has popped over the horizon - it'll be worth it!
August - Suwung Community, Bali
I have so many photos from that short trip to Bali that I could post! As part of the conference we had the opportunity to spend some time "giving back" with the SOS Food Rescue Foundation at Suwung - a community of 200 families living and working at Bali's biggest rubbish dump.
It was an incredible, humbling experience and for me these two photos show two sides of that community - which I'll delve into more in a separate post!
If you’ve enjoyed wandering through these moments with me, you might also love the 2026 Travel Photography Calendar. It’s filled with more of my favourites from across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
You can check it out - or pre-order your copy - right here.
