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