Inspired by my autumn 2024 journey “around the block,” the Haast series captures the serene stillness and remote beauty of Aotearoa’s South Island—from Amberley to Twizel, Wānaka, Haast, the Glaciers, and back through Arthur’s Pass.

With winter approaching, this trip became an opportunity to experience these landscapes in their quieter, less-travelled state.

Three chilly nights in Haast Pass immersed me in snow-covered mountains, limited sunlight, and deep solitude. The valley’s natural soundscape—birdsong echoing and layering through the environment—formed a kind of living rhythm that carried into each piece.

The Fantail (Pīwakawaka), often seen darting through these environments, is traditionally understood as a messenger. In this series, its presence reflects that sense of movement, energy, and connection within the landscape.

Through the Haast series, I celebrate the relationship between humans, birds, and the land—honouring the quiet, sacred spaces of Aotearoa and the enduring mana of our native species.