Photography Project:
Journeys
Wanaka - New Zealand

In August and September 2024, I collaborated with Welcoming Communities and the Queenstown Lakes District Council to celebrate the cultural diversity of Wānaka and the Upper Clutha through photography. During this project, I had the opportunity to meet, photograph, and interview eight fantastic individuals who have come from overseas and now call this region home.

In this photo series, I share their journeys: how they came to live in New Zealand, what they enjoy about the region, how they adapted to the community, and more.

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The photos were exhibited at the Wanaka Community Hub on September 13th.

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I chose to adjust my plans and extend my stay in Wānaka to take on this project. The reason I am particularly drawn to it is my own experience with cultural integration. Coming from two different cultures and witnessing my parents' efforts to adapt in French-speaking Belgium while being Dutch, I deeply relate to the experience of people moving from other places. Through this project, I hope to help the participants feel more at home here in Wanaka. I am grateful for the opportunity to work on this project.