Hakatere Home and Heritage Photobook - June 2022

After over a year of mahi from an exceptional team, the Hakatere Home and Heritage Book was finally published.

The photobook was created as a cultural initiative as part of the Ashburton District Council’s Welcoming Communities programme.

The stories and images of the 42 participants are a showcase celebrating the Ashburton district’s vibrant diverse ethnicities.

Despite COVID interruptions to interviews, photoshoots and preparations, this one-of-a-kind project came alive in the most magnificent way.

I was absolutely devastated to not have been able to attend the exhibition of the book, held at the Ashburton museum, due to regional lockdowns. But so stoked at the wonderful reception this project received.

I am incredibly humbled to have been a part of this project and to have worked with each family in the book.
As an immigrant to New Zealand, every settlement story I heard resonated so deeply with me.

Thank you to all the participants for trusting me with your stories.

A huge thank you needs to go out to Janice McKay, the Communications Manager at Ashburton District Council. She created and drove this project right through COVID closures and interruptions to its magnificent completion.

It was wonderful to work with uber-talented designer and friend Rosemary Hinchliffe, who put all the beautiful photographs and stories together in the book for print.

Aroha Nui to all the participants and our brilliant team. 

Project for Welcoming Communities – Ashburton District at the Ashburton District Council
Graphic Design: Rosemary Hinchliffe 
Book photography: Emmily Harmer Photography
Writer: Tracy Kruger House of Jam (That’s me, Mom)