Photographer of the Year finalist again

September 9th, 2021 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Finalist in the Photographer of the Year again with this frame recently taken to illustrate sea level rise.

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“While documenting sea-level rise, Rob Suisted attempted to create an image that showed the built environment under attack at the coast. “Hence the focus on the dynamic battle of textures and energy in the foreground,” says Suisted, “while homes sit above as benign observers seeming oblivious to the changes happening.”
 NZGPClick to go vote for your favourites amongst some outstanding work now

Kea splashback is cooking up a treat

June 8th, 2021 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

We do a lot of kitchen splashbacks. Posting this one because we love our endemic native Kea, the true alpine expert, and this was a cool use.

Kitchen Splashback of kea Bird, by Rob SuistedHere’s the original photo file that was used to print direct to glass by Thermaseal in Christchurch with an advanced ceramic printer

Recent Story Portraits done

September 3rd, 2020 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Been a run of enjoyable story portraits for www.NZGeo.com recently.

NZ Story Portraits of, Ocean Mercier, Meng Foon, Linda Shum, Kirsten Wong with Gordon Wu

NZ Story Portraits of, Ocean Mercier, Meng Foon, Linda Shum, Kirsten Wong with Gordon Wu

These are portraits of I’ll explain them in more detail below… > > > Continue reading : full post + comments > > >

Radio New Zealand Interview – PredatorFree 2050

January 20th, 2020 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Nice interview with Emile Donovan, Radio New Zealand, about recent projects, winning NZ photographer of the year, and a few other things we gassed on about.  Audio link here:

Rob Suisted Radio New Zealand Interview, Predator Free NZ

NZ Geo assignment – Predator Free 2050

January 16th, 2020 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

My latest assignment for New Zealand Geographic Magazine. An in-depth look at the Predator Free 2050 initiative to rid NZ of introduced predators – being such a huge national initiative this was one of the largest articles the magazine has commissioned recently.

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Visit NZ Geo to read the article online now.  Otherwise, browse the gallery below to … > > > Continue reading : full post + comments > > >

Honoured to be award NZ Photographer of the Year

October 29th, 2019 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Very grateful to be awarded the honour of New Zealand Photographer of the year in the 2019/2020 NZ Geographic Photographer of the Year awards.

Here are most of the images entered. NZ-GEO-POTY-awards-promo_w

Receiving award from sponsor Nikon NZ's Richard Greasley. Photo Richard Robinson

Receiving award from sponsor Nikon NZ’s Richard Greasley. Photo Richard Robinson

Being interviewed on stage about my photo entries and the work behind the scenes. Photo Richard Robinson

Being interviewed on stage about my photo entries and the work behind the scenes. Photo Richard Robinson

The full display of winners can be seen here. The collection of best photography in NZ for 2019 – a must view: https://www.nzgeo.com/photography/photographer-of-the-year-2019-winners/

I’d like to give a big thank you to all the sponsors, and to New Zealand Geographic for hosting the give event in the photography calendar.

3 finalists in the NZ photographer of the Year awards

October 8th, 2019 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

A full 75% of my single entry images have placed in the NZ Geographic Photographer of the Year awards this year – three making it through.

Have a look through the great collection of other finalists this year. Grab a coffee and vote for your favs at: https://www.nzgeo.com/photography/finalists/

©Rob Suisted 3 x finalist in Photographer of the Year awards

Individual images are

Dairy farmland in early morning autumn light. Dairy cows and herd grazing on lush pasture, Sanson, Manawatu District, Manawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand (NZ). (c) Rob Suisted. Image ID: 60985GL00

Canterbury plains agricultural mosaic landscape of dairy farming and cropping. Post wheat harvest stubble burn off, a normal management tool for preparing next planting. Aerial view, square format, Methven, Ashburton District, Canterbury Region, New Zealand (NZ) (c) Rob Suisted. Image ID: 58952GL00

Short-tailed bat (Mystacina tuberculata) flying at night, with mouth open indicating it’s using echolocation to navigate (lesser short-tailed bat – pekapeka-tou-poto), Pureora Forest, Waitomo District, Waikato Region, New Zealand (NZ). (c) Rob Suisted. Image ID: 60588LB00

Giant Kokopu, our rare native fish in camera,…and me on camera

June 26th, 2019 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Recently spent some time photographing our rare native Giant Kokopu fish, a secretive seldom seen species, and therefore, unknown to many. Here’s a video that Forest and Bird put together as part of a drive to increase awareness of the species, which shows some of the efforts to try and film them in their natural habitat. Grab a coffee and have a look at:

Have a look at more of our native fish here.
Many thanks to Forest and Bird for giving this species, and their plight, a big push.

Photo tribute to skin – NZ Falcon photo by Rob Suisted used in tattoo

March 24th, 2019 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

We just received photos of another of Rob’s amazing iconic native NZ Falcon (Karearea) photos committed to skin permanently. We’re blown away how this tattoo has come out, and honoured to have Nick Aston consider using it.

NZ Falcon Tattoo, photo by Rob Suisted


Here’s a look at the other tattoo, and here are some of Rob Suisted’s amazing NZ native falcon images. This series of NZ falcon images has had some interesting uses by the way!

Fieldays 2018 murals

July 17th, 2018 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Fieldays 2018 was on Rob’s agenda this year, and well worth a stop in. It was awesome to see so many of our photographs printed as large murals.

We have a large selection of stock images that work well at massive sizes (shot on medium format digital and professionally stitched into massive files) which are suitable for quality exhibition backdrops, and branding displays.

Rob does commissioned photographs too, and we did a couple of massive murals for Honda Power & Marine this year. Can you spot the celebrity in one of them?

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NZ’s first man of fishing checking out boat’s while Rob checks out a mural we created to sell outboard engines to commercial users

Nope, not Clark Gayford, although Rob let him know he wasn’t stalking him, he happened to be in shot of one of the professionally stitched panorama’s we did for Honda. Kate the Corgi made her debut appearance, a little know fact outside the breeding clubs, Corgi’s are a cattle herding dog breed.

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Kate the Corgi – Rob’s fearsome cattle dog was added to the frame – a great distraction for kids while mum and dad talk gear, at Honda Power and Marine’s Fieldays stand

NIWA’s stand was very eye catching with their clever use of one of our large panorama files:

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NIWA’s simple but beautifully designed stand created with an image we created to fit dimensions. Simply cropping a photo to shape and enlarging just ‘doesn’t cut the mustard’. Here we worked with the designer to create a huge image file to fit ratio specs – thereby minimising cropping and maximising output resolution

 

We had some great feedback from The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), who were very happy with the quality and feel of our images. It was great to work with Adam from Station Creative on the MPI stand this year, he’s very much into quality too, so a successful Fieldays for 2018 across the board.

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Check out feedback we’re recieved from some of our mural clients.

A nice surprise. Serendipity, cash, and Sir Edmund Hillary

April 4th, 2018 § 4 comments - add yours

Was sorting through some of my late father’s (David Suisted) belongings and came across a school project he did on Edmund Hillary, a kid’s school note book full of newspaper clippings, as he followed the climb of Mt Everest in 1953.  I found a hand written note, inside that old school project, to my father from Sir Edmund Hillary – written 29 years later on 29th July 1982, saying: “To David, Aim High! There is little virtue in easy victory. Ed Hillary“.

My dad's school project from 1953, signed 29 years later by Sir Ed Hilliary

My dad’s school project from 1953, signed 29 years later by Sir Ed Hilliary

Then I found another gem – a crisp new $5 note with the image of Sir Ed.  It was signed for me ‘To Robert, Ed Hillary’. Wow, Dad had asked Ed to do this in 1994.  Pretty neat to have this memento from such a figure in history, and someone who has been an influence and hero in my life.  It took a few moments for this to sink in. Then it dawned on me – the Reserve Bank approached me for about 20 photos to be used on the new bank notes back in 2016, and they used one of these (of Aoraki Mt Cook) to face up beside Sir Edmund Hillary.  That mountain, with my name written over the top, has now been replaced by a photo taken by my own hand and eye.  That seems pretty neat.

Clearly Dad had a huge man love for Sir Ed.  He crossed paths with him a few times, especially while Sir Ed was the NZ high commissioner to India, as Dad was involved with foreign aid development work throughout Asia and India.

Looking back now it seems my father really took Sir Ed’s words, written in his childhood project book, to heart as he went on to be a well known and much loved champion of the arts (especially acting) in NZ, where he helped many others aim high and conquer their own ‘Everests’, including some of our best known and loved actors and directors.

I suspect Dad is also pretty chuffed that Sir Ed now looks at my version of our highest peak Aoraki Mt Cook every day in my wallet.

 

NZ Geographic feature done – NZ Land use

February 15th, 2018 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Been a manic but terribly exciting week on the F800GSA around NZ shooting another feature for New Zealand Geographic Magazine on land use in NZ.

Rob Suisted, Nature's Pic Images

I’ve learned a heck of a lot more about our big picture agriculture, appropriate land use, precision farming and adding value to our exports to get out of our traditional ‘commodities from the colonies’ history. Stay tuned for the next issue coming very soon – in fact real soon – I had to ride like the wind from the Manawatu late tonight to make deadline for press!

NZ Photographer of the Year Awards

December 22nd, 2017 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Success in the NZ Geographic Photographer of the Year awards.  I entered a few in the aerial category and managed two finalists.  Last week in Auckland, one of these won the big prize!

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Rob Suisted proudly accepting his trophy from Richard Greasley of DJI / Lacklands, award sponsors. Photo by Richard Robinson

Here’s the image that won the award this year

An early winter sunset cast warm light over the landscape as Rob Suisted travelled past Mt Ruapehu. Suspecting the foothills might reveal interesting textures and forms when seen from above, he pulled over to capture the scene with a drone—a spur of the moment decision aided by familiarity with the landscape.

DJI AERIAL WINNER: ROB SUISTED: An early winter sunset cast warm light over the landscape as Rob Suisted travelled past Mt Ruapehu. Suspecting the foothills might reveal interesting textures and forms when seen from above, he pulled over to capture the scene with a drone—a spur of the moment decision aided by familiarity with the landscape.

If you’re in Auckland, it’s very well worth your time to go visit the beautiful NZ Geographic Photographer of the Year Awards Exhibition, prior to 25 Feb 2018.

Great to see my image HUGE inside Auckland Museum heralding the beautiful back lit exhibition by NZ Geo

Great to see my image HUGE inside Auckland Museum heralding the beautiful back lit exhibition by NZ Geo

Splashbacks – adding nature to our homes

December 8th, 2017 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Sharing a few recent client photos of installed glass splashbacks in kitchens and bathrooms that we commonly do.

We especially love the NZ kelp seaweed cell structure image used in a shower splashback (bottom left). Click on image for a closer look:collage_w

And currently we’re working on a very large 5 metre wide kitchen splash back that we think is a stunning use of graphics. Can’t wait to see final images of the install. A link to the image is here: https://www.naturespic.com/newzealand/image.asp?id=52320
Thermaseal_w It’s a massive file, over 190 megapixels, being a join of 5 medium format digital camera files, so will easily go the nearly 5 metre span at a close viewing distance (a critical factor with kitchen splashbacks). Click on image above for a closer look.

New book out this week

November 30th, 2017 § 1 comment - add yours

Excited to see our latest book project land in bookshops this week – our 17th book so far.

NZ_Rob-Suisted_cover_WWe’re giving one away FREE here if you’re keen ($55.00 value, and we’ll sign it too)?  Check out more detail (or get yourself a copy) at our publisher’s website here.

Foxton’s Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom. And our murals

November 28th, 2017 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

We were commissioned to create large murals for exhibition use at the new Foxton experience, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom. Given the large size and close viewing distances, we created specialist large files by stitching multiple medium format digital camera files to make truly huge files for stunning reproduction values. Here are some of the images used. Visit https://www.teawahou.com/Home. We worked with Workshop e, and they have photo credit for these images….

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Office Murals – therapeutic workplaces

October 30th, 2017 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

We do a lot of office murals. Research shows* that people looking at images of nature, get almost the same therapeutic benefit as people actually being in nature. It’s no surprise we supply a lot of murals to the health sector, but some smart clients are catching on in the work place too.  A few examples below:

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You should consider using us for large murals as we’ve always invested in making the largest image and panorama files possible. Many of our files are over 1Gb in size, and panorama files are made from multiple files professionally stitched together (other sources often derive from heavily cropping and then enlarging – a crazy bad double down image deterioration).

We work with some of the best in the industry to create and output the best possible murals. We pride ourselves on the quality of the final product, and will work with you to navigate dimensions, ratios, cropping, dpi, colour matching etc, normally at no extra cost, to get the best outcomes.  Drop us a line sometime.

Update: just seen a new install of very large murals into the Greater Wellington Regional Council offices.  Kerri worked closely to get the right images to represent the region, but importantly, massive high quality files that would reproduce in a quality way at close viewing distances.  The Wellington-Tararua Range image is stunning in detail – the benefit of multiple medium format digital SLR frames professionally joined. Have a look:

Our work covers health murals, decor murals, trade murals, office murals and brand murals.

* = Research shows: https://www.sciencealert.com/just-looking-at-photos-of-nature-could-be-enough-to-lower-your-work-stress-levels  & https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4690962/

The day I nearly killed Winston Peters by accident

October 24th, 2017 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Back in 1999, as a young keen photog working on my first book, I wrote to Doug Kidd (Speaker of the House of Representatives) seeking permission to photograph MP’s sitting.

I had to don suit and tie to drag camera equipment and tripods into the Speaker’s Gallery.  Some Minister’s of Parliament played up to the obvious arrival of a photographer.  I also carried a heavy bag of medium format Bronica equipment, on which this photo was taken. BUT, then an event that still haunts me today happened…..

The Day I nearly accidentally sconed Winston Peters. The year was 1999.

The Day I nearly accidentally sconed Winston Peters. The year was 1999.

As I finished and turned to leave, I shouldered my heavy medium format camera bag.  The shoulder strap ripped off and the bag landed heavily on the handrail, teetering, before falling forwards to my feet.  It could’ve gone the other way, and fallen 20 feet onto Winston Peters.  It would have sconed him and probably made a thorough job of it.  My blood ran cold as I headed off.

I sometimes wonder how things could’ve been different today.  OSH hadn’t taken root then, so accidents were still happening in NZ; some could have even seen this as a good accident.  One thing for sure would’ve been the publicity my book could’ve got – ‘the book that floored Winston’.

Exhibition: “Aotearoa New Zealand – The Story of New Zealand’s National Parks”, Beijing China

October 24th, 2017 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

A huge project has taken much of our time lately. This remarkable exhibition about NZ’s National Parks has opened in Beijing, China, carefully created by Landscope DesignLab at Lincoln University and driven by Dr Mick Abbott

The Story of New Zealand's National Parks, China Exhibition

Over 60 of our images were used in the exhibition, and many of them produced in large mural dimensions.

We work hard to create massive image files for large murals like this, from medium format digital cameras, often professionally stitched to make very large image files that are far superior to normal files.  It’s a terrific honour to have those efforts recognised like this:

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Shots from the opening are below (btw, that’s a photo of me by the tent, freezing bits off to get the dawn):

Check out feedback we’re recieved from some of our mural clients.

PHOTO CREDIT: The Museum of Chinese Gardens and Landscape Architecture.

Tough breaks – my Great Great Grandfather’s interesting story – Geo Suisted

September 12th, 2017 § 1 comment - add yours

Having a bad day?

Consider my Great Great Great Grandfather’s interesting story. I recently found this small church publication about the circumstances to him finding God.  It’s one heck of an early life:

George Suisted (b. 1855) was the 14th child of Charles Eberhard Suisted (originally Karl Eberhard Sjöstedt – Swedish Sea Captain b.12 may 1810), who arrived in Wellington in 1842.

Charles Suisted (approx 1840)

Charles Suisted (approx 1840)

Charles owned Barrett’s Hotel before sailing south with Johnny Jones (Otago Whaler) to North Otago. Charles established Goodwood Estate in 1848, farming 200,000 acres from Goodwood (just north of Waikouaiti) to Oamaru.

Charles Suisted’s 6th child James, said the final decision to leave Wellington in 1848 and sail south was made, ‘…because of the earthquakes…I have heard my father say, that during those earthquakes the ground was almost in continuous motion for 35 days.’  The 1848 Awatere fault earthquake, m7.4.

Charles built a large barn at Goodwood, prior to building his homestead, and those stables still stand on private land today. They’re the second oldest farm building in New Zealand and this article covers more of Charles Suisted’s story. Images here.

 

 

Furthest South by ship – EVER

February 9th, 2017 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Just returned from an amazing southern journey to the Ross Sea, Antarctica. This year had a twist though; we broke the furthest south a vessel has ever navigated on earth.

Futhest South by ship ever - MV The World, Bay of Whales, Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica

Furthest South by ship ever – MV The World, Bay of Whales, Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica. 78°43•997´S, 28 Jan 2017. ©Rob Suisted /EYOS Expeditions / MV The World.

Capt Dag H. Saevik, Master of MV The World, concentrating on furthest south record

Capt Dag H. Saevik, Master of MV The World, and Rob McCallum, concentrating on furthest south record.

Rob Suisted did an interview with Radio New Zealand, via satellite from the Ross Sea. The full interview:

Other noteworthy experiences included seeing Ross Seals (the least seen seal on the planet, and the first seen by Rob in 18 trips south), and an abundance of Emperor Penguins on the pack ice this year.

Rob Suisted was assistant expedition leader onboard MV The World, the world’s largest private yacht, working with expedition leader Rob McCallum of EYOS Expeditions (who specialise in creating cutting edge expeditions around the world).  You can see a few of Rob’s tweets relating to the voyage here.  Or, have a look at Rob Suisted’s extensive Antarctica photo library.

Rob Suisted on ice. A smoko break from driving zodiacs amongst pack ice, Ross Sea, Antarctica

Smoko time. Rob Suisted enjoying a break from driving zodiacs amongst pack ice, Ross Sea, Antarctica

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Country Calendar Book – a 50th Anniversary project finished

December 16th, 2016 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

NZ’s Country Calendar TV show is the 2nd oldest TV programme in the world after Coro Street.

It was an honour to be commissioned to photograph the official 50th anniversary book to commemorate the milestone for TVNZ. It’s been a full on 6 month photographic journey, twice around NZ, poking my nose into so many interesting stories, and meeting lots of passionate interesting people around NZ. Country CalendarBook Rob Suisted

Firstly, if you haven’t got a copy of this iconic book, get yourself along to my publisher and order a copy – you won’t be disappointed. I’m very proud of the quality of the photos created to tell each of 15 stories, and Matt Philp’s writing style is brilliant at capturing the tales.  Here are a few favourites from the many images

The job wasn’t easy – turning up to live with complete strangers 24/7 for up to a week, while seeking their confidence to document their stories and poke a camera into their lives. It was stressful for them and me, but without exception everyone was incredibly hospitable and obliging which allowed me to tease out their stories and capture it within 8-10 frames.

Each image had to earn it’s spot, and often illustrate at least 2 concepts. Such as the photo below, it needed to be a portrait, talk of wetland restoration and Stu’s Kaitiaki role and his love of whitebaiting. It took some doing: Stu Muir runs a dairy farm, but is passionate about wetland restoration in the Waikato River Delta.  This is what I came up with:Stu Muir, wetland restoration. Photo by Rob SuistedAnd here’s how it was done – 2 days of planning/executing, screening water flow, and a lot of time coaxing shy whitebait within 50mm of my wide angle lens (the little guys take fright at their reflections and the tiniest vibration), while trying to hold a punt in the current (with 10mm free board), and keep the good natured Stu Muir from getting too bored. It was a success and a frame I’m proud of.Rob Suisted filming whitebait for Country Calendar Book

 

In my sights – a controversial portrait

October 29th, 2016 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Jamie Steer questions the status quo around introduced species to New Zealand. Its fair to say his views are controversial, but he’s willingly made a target of himself.  I was commissioned to shoot his portrait.Janie Steer portrait, by Rob Suisted 55485QF00_w

Playing around with the idea of hunting introduced species, and how Jamie is happy to be a target for debate, this is the work I did to make a very strong literal ‘story portrait’ to illustrate the interview for NZ Geographic Magazine:
And here are a few of the options supplied for the editor to consider:Janie Steer portrait, by Rob Suisted

Large murals – Quality NZ Natural Imagery for the relaxation effect

September 13th, 2016 § 0 comments, Add the 1st

Research shows* natural images, especially nature landscapes, reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and increase feelings of well being in people.

Our need to connect with nature is inherent in us (Rob gave a talk about this recently at the Environmental Defence Society’s annual summit – video linked below).

Our health industry clients recognise this, and we’ve worked with them to bring NZ nature scenes to people who need the benefit of nature in their facilities.

The Auckland DHB have just used around 30 of our natural landscape images to produce super graphics for wards and treatment rooms, the feedback has been great:

New Auckland Hospital murals, by Rob Suisted

New Auckland Hospital murals, by Rob Suisted

The Waikato DHB have also recognised the healing value of nature photography, and several of Rob’s images are now in use in their radiation treatment rooms, link below

Waikato Hospital murals by Rob Suisted

Waikato Hospital murals by Rob Suisted

We specialise in professionally stitched panoramas for large graphic reproduction, which maintain integrity and quality when reproduced as large murals. We invest in quality equipment that provides better quality files than you’ll get from most places, for large reproductions. Drop us a line if you’re planning a stunning big mural. See some more of our murals here.

You can take that from us, or take it from the Waikato DHB newsroom…..

“On the wall in front of you is a huge photo of a New Zealand forest, with majestic tall-trunked trees so real you feel your mind can go for a walk among them. The feature wall photographs are a beautiful forest scene by Rob Suisted, award winning New Zealand photographer”.

And here’s Rob’s opening address to the EDS Wild Places conference, talking about wilderness, the importance to the human condition, and some great NZ images. Grab a coffee and take a look:

Rob Suisted, Photographer from Environmental Defence Society on Vimeo.

* = Research shows: https://www.sciencealert.com/just-looking-at-photos-of-nature-could-be-enough-to-lower-your-work-stress-levels  & https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4690962/

Addendum: Here’s a new hospital mural by Rob Suisted, installed in an operating theatre at Churchill Hospital – an image of Fitzroy Bay on medium format digital. We think it looks stunning:

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Check out feedback we’re recieved from some of our mural clients.

National Radio Interview – Rob Suisted & NZ bank notes

July 8th, 2016 § 4 comments - add yours

Had an enjoyable interview last night with Brian Crump on Radio New Zealand. He was keen to talk about my photographs on the new New Zealand bank notes (shown below).  Listen to the interview here. We’ve had lots of nice feedback about it, thanks.

NZ bank notes, showing some of the photos by Rob Suisted

NZ bank notes, showing some of the photos by Rob Suisted

Click to listen to Rob Suisted's Radio New Zealand interview

Click to listen to Rob Suisted’s Radio New Zealand interview

There were some photos we talked about during the interview shown below… > > > Continue reading : full post + comments > > >

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