There are many tomes of literature, poetry, walls of art works and libraries full of manuscripts which investigate the intrinsic value and importance, indeed the actuality, of what it is to belong to something, or somewhere. The Maori have adopted these notions deep into their culture, as have nearly all native and indigenous cultures. The story of belonging talks of that welcoming feeling that we have when our spirit feels at rest, and when we aren't at need to fight for our breath.



The Maori culture also transcends its tribes and is diversely and broadly adopted amongst the Kiwi culture as a whole. My favourite expression of this belonging is the idea that one becomes, or belongs to a river, or water. For me, I was drawn to Lake Tekapo, in the South Island's high country.



These images of New Zealand's South Island and in and about Christchurch before the earthquakes are purely photographic in treatment.



Thanks go to my friends, the Kiwi lot.