In a tangle Posted on 1 December 2012 Not Karachi, not Vientiane, not Mumbai, but central Wellington - Leeds Street to be precise. What a disgrace! © 2012 Ross Collins - Points of View

Photographer's Journal
Since August 2007, I have been posting to this journal a broad cross-section of the images I am capturing from day to day. These typically involve scenes and happenings around Wellington, at sporting or music events, or as seen on my travels. Some of these images are also included in galleries elsewhere at this site and/or on my Facebook page, but many are posted only here. An alternative format that shows all images posted over the life of this blog on a single page display is available here. Comments, questions and feedback are welcome in my guestbook or by e-mail.

gallery pages: 1

Shooting the taniwha
Posted on 19 May 2013

While capturing some images of the artwork painted on the bowl at the Porirua Skatepark close to the Porirua CBD late last week, I was informed by a young skateboarder that the totality of the mural depicts a Maori taniwha. This would not be apparent unless somehow seen from overhead.

Wikipedia describes taniwha as "beings that live in deep pools in rivers, dark caves, or in the sea, especially in places with dangerous currents or deceptive breakers (giant waves). They may be considered highly respected kaitiaki (protective guardians) of people and places, or in some traditions as dangerous, predatory beings, which for example would kidnap women to have as wives". While not a woman, I am nevertheless pleased to report that this one did me no harm.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Running jump
Posted on 18 May 2013

Early in today's Swindale Shield match at Kilbirnie Park, Jason Love (Wainuiomata) braces himself for the inevitable adverse health consequences of high-leaping Misipalauni Moananu (Poneke), as his team mate Uale Mai looks on. The travelling Wainui faithful were extremely vociferous towards the referee who took no action.

© 2013 Ross Collins

The eye
Posted on 17 May 2013

Another image of the Pakistani truck art in yesterday's post, showing a close-up view of the eye and faux feathers seen at the front of the vehicle.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Freshly minted
Posted on 16 May 2013

This example of Pakistani truck art, recently undertaken at the Pataka Art and Museum by Younous Nawaz, is seen on a short run around the streets of Porirua this morning driven by New Zealand photographer Peter Grant, who was responsible for this initiative and the accompanying photo exhibition "Painting Pakistan Proud".

The truck is expected to be seen on the Parliament House forecourt later today, on national TV news this evening and at the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand over the weekend, before travelling through many other parts of the country.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Party at Kelly Brown's?
Posted on 15 May 2013

I have no idea of the meaning of the apparently Japanese script recently added to the window of this house in Karaka Bay or why it has been painted there, but the sun symbols were an accurate representation of this morning's weather in Wellington.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Going with the flow
Posted on 14 May 2013

Commuter traffic was moving freely through the Mt Victoria Tunnel as I had reason to be walking through shortly after 8.00am this morning.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Don't be afraid
Posted on 13 May 2013

And don't be mislead. There's a new delicatessen and café in town, but don't rely on the weekend opening hours shown on its website!

© 2013 Ross Collins

Any way you look at it
Posted on 12 May 2013

While the clock on the former Post Office building in Cambridge Terrace, now the Base Backpackers Hostel, may not be working, I noticed recently that at least someone has had the sense of humour to set the time to the establishment date of the building.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Work and play
Posted on 11 May 2013

Outside the Mucho Mucho café in Taranaki Street.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Parked up
Posted on 10 May 2013

Chairs rest against outdoor tables at the Alana Estate Vineyard at Martinborough.

© 2013 Ross Collins

From no. 37
Posted on 9 May 2013

Looking down onto Courtenay Place, Wellington earlier this week.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Something for nothing
Posted on 8 May 2013

I noticed this bold addition to the retail scene in Newtown when passing today. While serving coffee alongside bicycles and related service and paraphernalia is definitely a 21st century thing, it's nice to see the old custom of providing free air has been retained from cycle shops of the past.

The reference to being "urban specialists" is, I presume, to indicate that customers should not expect to find mountain bikes in stock.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Fire power
Posted on 7 May 2013

Three of the six 0.50 Cal Browning Machine Guns mounted in the wings of a Curtiss P-40 E Kittyhawk aircraft stored with the WWI fighter aircraft collection in the Vintage Aviator hanger at the Hood Aerodrome in Masterton.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Fine dining
Posted on 6 May 2013

The restaurant at the Martinborough Hotel waits in darkness in readiness for the evening sitting.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Nearly winter
Posted on 5 May 2013

I captured this image of the rich, late-autumn colour in Harcourt Park, Upper Hutt last week.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Taking its time
Posted on 4 May 2013

Wines ageing in French oak barrels at the Alana Estate Vineyard in Martinborough yesterday.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Amongst the flock
Posted on 3 May 2013

I saw this (presumably, now deconsecrated) church sitting, incongruously, in the middle of a large paddock of sheep near Martinborough today.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Derelict
Posted on 3 May 2013

A former grand colonial building in Merchant Street, Yangon, Myanmar now, like many others, reduced to a ramshackle ruin.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Long distance movie
Posted on 29 April 2013

While I was capturing additional images of the subject of yesterday's post later in the day, I noticed this fellow running towards me while videoing himself and reciting a commentary that I couldn't understand. Before he reached me, he crossed to the other side of the street and carried on running. I later saw him several blocks away as I was driving home. He must have had a very sore arm. Very odd!

© 2013 Ross Collins

Run down
Posted on 28 April 2013

A pair of joggers were passing the sun-drenched but long fire-damaged Seatoun Scout Hall to add interest to some images I was making this morning. I had been planning to shoot this for some time, but I'd previously been obstructed by parked cars.

© 2013 Ross Collins

White men CAN jump
Posted on 27 April 2013

St Kilda's Rhys Stanley shows the athleticism of AFL players as he leaps high during Thursday's match at the Westpac Stadium.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Now what?
Posted on 26 April 2013

In last night's AFL match at the Westpac Stadium, St Kilda midfielder Nathan Wright has the ball and is looking at his options as he is about to go down in the tackle of the Sydney Swans' midfielder Daniel Hannebery, while Jude Bolton (Swans) approaches and Sam Gilbert (Saints) and Sam Reid (Swans) can only look on from ground level.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Aussie rules. OK?
Posted on 25 April 2013

The first ever Australian Rules competition football match to be played outside the lucky country was staged at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington tonight between the St Kilda Saints and Sydney Swans. The result went according to the form book, Sydney winning by 11.13 (79) to 9.9.( 63)

© 2013 Ross Collins

Keeping up appearances
Posted on 24 April 2013

The immaculate condition and appearance of Myanmar's railway rolling stock may be attributable to the practice of setting out the maintenance specifications on the side of the carriages - as in this example photographed at Yangon's Central Railway Station.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Song bird
Posted on 23 April 2013

Ebony Lamb, the "Eb" of alt-country outfit Eb & Sparrow, in performance at the World Record Store event at Slow Boat Records on Saturday.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Wearing the blues
Posted on 22 April 2013

The well lived-in appearance of US bluesman Bill "Watermelon Slim" Homans, currently touring New Zealand, during his performance at the music event at Slow Boat Records in Cuba Street on Saturday in support of World Record Store Day.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Quick on the trigger
Posted on 21 April 2013

A competitor in the National Firefighter Combat Challenge fires his hose at a target at Odlin's Plaza on the Taranaki Street Wharf yesterday. If there's a tougher physical pursuit in any sport or recreation, I'd like to know what it is!

© 2013 Ross Collins

Coming clean
Posted on 20 April 2013

New Zealand rock legend David Kilgour, co-founder and front man of the iconic 80s Dunedin group The Clean, performed a set today at Slow Boat Records in Cuba Street for World Record Store Day.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Memorial lawn
Posted on 19 April 2013

The lawn in Midland Park in Wellington's CBD was covered in RSA poppies in commemoration of the upcoming ANZAC Day when I passed today.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Best bib and tucker
Posted on 17 April 2013

Oscar Laven and Dean Scott of the Wellington City Shake-'Em-On-Downers were models of sartorial excellence when performing at last month's Newtown Festival Street Fair.

© 2013 Ross Collins

In other words
Posted on 16 April 2013

Helpful and courteous paraphrasing of a sign in the local language for the benefit of international visitors at a toll station on the highway between Mandalay International Airport and the city of Mandalay in Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Down time
Posted on 15 April 2013

Waiting for trishaw customers in Maha Bandoola Road, Yangon, Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

In the garden
Posted on 14 April 2013

Workers tend to flower beds at the magnificent National Kandawgyi Gardens in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

I’m a Troll, fol-de-rol
Posted on 11 April 2013

The "Tree Troll of Worser Bay" has looked out toward the beach with a resigned look on his sculptured face since the middle of last year.

© 2013 Ross Collins

With pen and ink
Posted on 10 April 2013

The image in yesterday's post reminded me of this, captured high up on the Shwesandaw Pagoda in Bagan, Myanmar, which is a popular vantage point for photographers at sunrise and sunset.

While I was on the highest accessible level setting up for sunset shooting, I noticed this Asian gentleman on the level below using a very traditional method to create his own impression of the Thatbyinnyu Pahto (Pagoda).

© 2013 Ross Collins

With pencil and paper
Posted on 9 April 2013

At the recent Newtown Festival Street Fair, I noticed a fellow sitting at the corner of Rintoul Street and Riddiford Street sketching away quietly. When I moved a little closer, through my telephoto lens I could see he was making elegant line drawings of passers-by and the cut of their attire.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Clapped out
Posted on 8 April 2013

The dilapidated condition of this vessel, showing the name "Southern Prospector" and moored at the Port of Wellington, raises doubt that the owners have the means and/or the willingness to pay the ongoing berthage fees.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Danger
Posted on 7 April 2013

In another image of the "Radiance of the Seas" at the Point Halswell yesterday, captured moments before the image included yesterday's post, a fisherman carries on his recreation blithely oblivious of the notice warning of the dangers of large waves created by large vessels.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Radiant
Posted on 6 April 2013

"Radiance of the Seas" is accompanied by a Centreport pilot boat "Tarakena" off Point Halswell late this afternoon as she departs Wellington en route to Sydney. Only the return visit of this vessel on 23 April remains to complete the 2012/13 cruise ship visit programme.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Up a tree
Posted on 5 April 2013

Clearing pohutukawa tree branches from overhead power lines in Seatoun today.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Breakfast line-up
Posted on 4 April 2013

Novice monks collect food from a business owner at first light in Yangon, Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

L.O.V.E.
Posted on 3 April 2013

Neon sign above a women's clothing store in Anawrahta Street, Yangon, Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Riding high
Posted on 2 April 2013

The roof of a long distance ("Ordinary Class") train carriage provides a platform for maintenance being undertaken at the Yangon Railway Station in Myanmar. Believe me, the expression "Ordinary Class" is a very generous description for a class of travel distinguished only by its profound lack of style!

© 2013 Ross Collins

Colours
Posted on 1 April 2013

Another image from the Futuna Chapel in Karori showing some of the modern stained glass windows.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Reason for the Season
Posted on 31 March 2013

This Christ figure, sculpted in mahogany by Jim Allen , is installed in the now-deconsecrated Futuna Chapel in Karori. The sculpture has been recently returned and unveiled after being recovered following its disappearance in a burglary 12 years ago.

© 2013 Ross Collins

It's me - I'm back!
Posted on 30 March 2013

I grabbed my camera quickly this morning when this monarch butterfly showed signs of breaking out of his chrysalis hanging on the wall of our house. He got to this stage within a minute.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Setting course
Posted on 29 March 2013

With its load of Scots College pupils on board at the end of the school day, the Wellington Harbour East by West Ferry departs Seatoun Wharf bound for Days Bay on a recent afternoon.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Taking a running jump
Posted on 28 March 2013

... off the plank installed for the purpose on the Taranaki Street Wharf at the entrance to the inlet at Frank Kitts Park, during the recent Dragon Boat Festival.

© 2013 Ross Collins

You WILL like my music!
Posted on 27 March 2013

Charlotte makes a statement above shops in Bay Road, Kilbirnie.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Big man in town
Posted on 26 March 2013

I photographed this Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing 767-27G/ER carrying the Sultan of Brunei on his State Visit to New Zealand at the RNZAF terminal at the Wellington International Airport today.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Fungus
Posted on 25 March 2013

Seen growing on a pine tree trunk at Wakefield Park in Wellington on Saturday. The largest of these toadstools is about 20cm in diameter.

© 2013 Ross Collins

What the "L"?
Posted on 24 March 2013

Seen at Macalister Park in Wellington yesterday. Evidence of the increasing incidence of English as a Second Language syndrome is everywhere.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Base over apex
Posted on 23 March 2013

This scene of mass disaster was captured at the Newtown International Cardboard Box Sliding Championship at Macalister Park in Wellington today.

More images from the inaugural staging of this World Famous in Berhampore event are posted here.

© 2013 Ross Collins

How odd!
Posted on 22 March 2013

The tag added to, or part of, this graffiti in Hopper street appears to be referring to some form of galactic poetry, or perhaps to an astral Irish poet.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Clean-up
Posted on 20 March 2013

Seen at the ruins of the Yadana Hsimi Pagodas at the ancient Burmese capital of Inwa, Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

On the ball
Posted on 19 March 2013

Schoolboys enjoy a vigorous game of football during their morning break at a village school near Mandalay in Myanmar, seen during my recent travels. From my observation, Myanmar is totally obsessed with football with all matches in the top English, Spanish and Italian leagues screened live on television.

© 2013 Ross Collins

In the nick of time
Posted on 18 March 2013

While wandering around Queen's Wharf on Saturday, I realised I had the opportunity to capture an image of the Hobbit characters which have adorned the headquarters building of New Zealand Post since before the time of the world premiere of the first of The Hobbit trilogy last December. Then, in this morning's paper, I read that the removal of sculptures, along with a huge banner of a Hobbits postage stamp, had been begun the following day - so I just made it!

© 2013 Ross Collins

Hard at it
Posted on 17 March 2013

The Fletcher Sea Lions team shows its class in winning Heat 3 in the Corporate section of yesterday's annual Dragon Boat Festival at Queen's Wharf in Wellington, before going on to win the Corporate Grand Championship Final - for the third year in a row.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Here comes the bride
Posted on 16 March 2013

This bridal party appeared to be departing for their wedding reception when I saw them boarding a helicopter at Queens Wharf on the Wellington waterfront this afternoon as, when the chopper returned 15 minutes later, there were no passengers on board.

The life vests placed around the ladies' waists before boarding appear to be doing little to enhance their elegant outfits.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Hot to Trot(t)
Posted on 15 March 2013

As wicketkeeper B J Watling looks on, a close-in Black Caps fielder takes evasive action as England opener Jonathon Trott slashes a ball from Bruce Martin to the boundary on his way to a century during yesterday's play in the second cricket test between England and New Zealand at the Basin Reserve.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Sign language
Posted on 14 March 2013

Banners covering fencing at the southern end of the Basin Reserve in Wellington provide a backdrop as New Zealand bowler Tim Southee starts a run-up on the first morning of the second cricket test between England and New Zealand.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Land's end
Posted on 13 March 2013

Cruise liner Celebrity Solstice departed Wellington Harbour in beautiful early evening light today bound for Tauranga.

© 2013 Ross Collins

The Joker
Posted on 12 March 2013

I was reminded of capturing this image in Bagan, Myanmar late in January when I discovered a strikingly similar image today captured three weeks later by another photographer in what appears to be the same stretch of road. But I give him top marks for also getting a rear view I never saw!

© 2013 Ross Collins

At sundown
Posted on 11 March 2013

A view soon after sunset from the Shwesandaw Pagoda in Bagan, Myanmar, including the Thatbyinnyu Phaya at right.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Plan B
Posted on 10 March 2013

At the Kilbirnie Festival in Wellington's eastern suburbs today.

© 2013 Ross Collins

From above
Posted on 9 March 2013

Looking down on the crowd at the Newtown Festival Street Fair on Sunday.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Builds bonny babies
Posted on 8 March 2013

At the Newtown Festival Street Fair on Sunday.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Da man
Posted on 7 March 2013

Colourful and perennial music festival favourite Sam Manzanza leads his Afro Beat Band at the Newtown Festival Street Fair on Sunday.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Not just a pretty face
Posted on 6 March 2013

Emma Wollum, a member of the local trad jazz outfit the Wellington City Shake-'Em-On-Downers which performed at the Newtown Festival Street Fair on Sunday, not only plays accordion in the band while enhancing its overall appearance, but also takes a starring vocal role.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Joining in
Posted on 5 March 2013

This unidentified "friend of the band" joined Christchurch hard-rockers House of Mountain for a number at the Newtown Festival Street Fair on Sunday. I have absolutely no idea of the reason for, nor meaning of, the facial hieroglyphics.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Up for it
Posted on 4 March 2013

Bassist Robert Henderson of the trad jazz, swing and Dixieland group Wellington City Shake-'Em-On-Downers hams it up during his group's entertaining performance at the Newtown Festival Street Fair yesterday.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Looping the loop
Posted on 3 March 2013

"Queen of Loops" Mihirangi performs her unique, high-energy loop pedal/beat boxing//layered music routine at the 2013 Newtown Festival Street Fair today.

© 2013 Ross Collins

That was then
Posted on 2 March 2013

Ricki Herbert, whose tenure as Head Coach of the Wellington Phoenix for nearly six years came to an abrupt end this week, watches the nucleus of his inaugural team at its first ever official practice which was held at the Olé Football Academy in Porirua on 6 July 2007.

© 2007 Ross Collins

Mother and child
Posted on 1 March 2013

As I was wandering through a village in Mandalay, Myanmar earlier in the year, I came across this young mother who required little encouragement to pose for me with her young son. Both are wearing the traditional thanaka cosmetic on their faces. What will be their futures?

© 2013 Ross Collins

By night
Posted on 28 February 2013

The huge Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar viewed across Kandawgyi Lake.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Bloody pigeons!
Posted on 27 February 2013

The largest of the Buddha images in the massive Dhammayangyi Pahto in Bagan, Myanmar exemplifies a problem in many of the thousands of pagodas in the region resulting from the large numbers of pigeons which inhabit the huge roof and ceiling spaces in these structures.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Centre of attention
Posted on 26 February 2013

Personable and popular Wellington Phoenix Assistant Coach and former player Chris Greenacre found himself in the role of Acting Head Coach this morning with the overnight resignation of his erstwhile boss and mentor Ricki Herbert.

Greenacre was the centre of intense media interest following a light team training session at Westpac Stadium today ahead of tomorrow's A-League match against the Newcastle Jets.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Treading the teak
Posted on 25 February 2013

As the sun sets, a group of four monks walks on the 1.2km-long U Bein Bridge across Taungthaman Lake near Myanmar's twice-former capital of Amarapura.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Seriously old
Posted on 24 February 2013

These frescoes are in the Ananda Temple in Bagan, Myanmar date back to the temple's construction, believed to be in 1105AD. An exterior view of the Ananda was the subject of my post on 2 February 2013.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Along a dusty trail
Posted on 23 February 2013

A man's dog trudges faithfully behind his master's ox-drawn cart in Bagan, Myanmar. I didn't realise the man's wife was also on the back of the cart until I looked at another rear-view shot of the cart I had also captured.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Underneath the arches
Posted on 22 February 2013

The first rays of sun strike the Shwe Kyat Kya Pagoda, which overlooks a busy ship loading and unloading area on the Ayeyarwady River near the Sagaing Bridge at Amarapura in Myanmar's Mandalay Region.

© 2013 Ross Collins

To market
Posted on 21 February 2013

A pair of happy young women, whose faces are adorned with traditional thanaka cosmetic paste, carry their flowers through the filtered morning light in Bank Street, Yangon, Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Little people
Posted on 20 February 2013

Ornate figures decorate the Sri Kali Hindu Temple in Yangon, Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Family driving
Posted on 19 February 2013

After I first spotted the little carrot top staring out of this Chinese second hand truck in Mandalay (as many are in Myanmar), I twice had my driver advance along the road and stop ahead of this family group to enable me to get precisely this image - success!

© 2013 Ross Collins

Mind your step!
Posted on 18 February 2013

To say the infrastructure in Myanmar is in need of some deferred investment would be putting it mildly. This heavily-used footpath on one of Yangon's busiest streets, Maha Bandoola Road, is not untypical of the challenge that faces pedestrians across the city generally.

© 2013 Ross Collins

An eye on it
Posted on 17 February 2013

Motorised passenger boats are shown pulled up on the shore and tethered to bamboo poles at Dalah, across the river from downtown Yangon, Myanmar. The ugly sight of litter visible on the shore is, unfortunately, not untypical of public spaces in the country.

Having traversed the river from the Pansodan Street jetty in Yangon by conventional ferry, I thought that return by means of one of these boats could be interesting (and productive photographically). However, while I managed clamber on board a vessel, it was politely but firmly (and with considerable animation) indicated that I was not welcome - apparently because these boats are not permitted to carry foreigners.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Untidy
Posted on 16 February 2013

A young contestant is tipped from her trolley as a course marker is sent flying at today's running of the annual Ribble Street Races in Island Bay.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Home
Posted on 15 February 2013

The first rays of morning sunshine strike a row of apartment buildings on Pagoda Road, Yangon in Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Riding shotgun
Posted on 14 February 2013

The sight of such a large load on this motorcycle, which I presumed was tied on the back, was enough for me to fire off a couple of shots as it approached me along a narrow road among the thousands of pagodas and stupas in and around Bagan, Myanmar.

While gross overloading of all types of vehicles is commonplace in Myanmar, it was only when I processed this image that I became aware that the scene also included a foot and a hand of a second person on the bike almost completely hidden by the furniture!

© 2013 Ross Collins

Life's a scream
Posted on 13 February 2013

If my Burmese (or my recollection of a translation provided to me by my driver) serves me correctly, this sign near Mingun in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar says "you drive too fast, you are very soon dead".

© 2013 Ross Collins

Exquisite in teak
Posted on 12 February 2013

A view inside the Bagaya Monastery at Inwa, 21km south of Mandalay in Myanmar.

Inwa is on a man-made island on the Ayeyarwady River, and was a former capital of Burma for a total of more than 350 years over five occasions from 1365 to 1842. It's final abandonment followed a series of major earthquakes in 1839. The Bagaya Monastery is one of very few remaining examples of the city's former grandeur.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Far from the madding crowd
Posted on 11 February 2013

As dusk approaches, dozens of photographers assemble in boats on Taungthaman Lake near Mandalay in Myanmar, all hoping to capture their version of the classic image of monks silhouetted against the setting sun while crossing the famous 1.2km-long U Bein Bridge.

I'd come a long way to get mine. Did I get it? You betcha!

© 2013 Ross Collins

Trolley dolly
Posted on 10 February 2013

An airline cabin crew member walks along a concourse at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

© 2013 Ross Collins

All along the watchtower
Posted on 9 February 2013

The National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Above the law
Posted on 8 February 2013

A young woman looks down from an apartment above Sule Pagoda Road in the Yangon city centre in a dilapidated building which also houses the Kyauktada Township Police Station on the ground floor.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Chapter and verse
Posted on 7 February 2013

Some of the 1774 stupas surrounding the Sandamuni Paya in Mandalay, Myanmar - each containing a tablet with inscribed commentary or sub-commentary on the Tripitkata Teachings of the Buddha.

The 15 books of the Tripitkata itself are set out on tablets within another 729 stupas which ring the adjacent Kuthodaw Paya, with the entire inscriptions being dubbed "the world's biggest book".

© 2013 Ross Collins

To thwart invaders
Posted on 6 February 2013

An early morning view in Mandalay, Myanmar of a section of the 230 feet-wide moat surrounding the eight kilometre-long wall which once enclosed a gigantic royal city. Today it contains a reconstructed central palace comprising 40 buildings, with the rest used as army barracks and facilities and off-limits to foreigners.

© 2013 Ross Collins

A higher calling
Posted on 5 February 2013

The roof of this crowded passenger van seen in Mandalay, Myanmar on a recent morning appeared to have be allocated for the exclusive use of Buddhist monks heading into town with their begging bowls.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Across the plains
Posted on 4 February 2013

Some of the thousands of pagodas and stupas that dot the landscape around Bagan, Myanmar, photographed at sunset from the Shwesandaw Pagoda.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Riding the rails
Posted on 3 February 2013

Seen along the City Line in Yangon, Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

A girl, a tree, a pagoda
Posted on 2 February 2013

Normal transmission has been resumed! This image was captured today at the Ananda Pahto, a large Buddhist temple in Bagan, Myanmar.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Sundown
Posted on 21 January 2013

A recent image looking from Tarakena Bay on Wellington's south coast across the Cook Strait towards the seaward Kaikoura Range in the South Island.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Setting sun
Posted on 19 January 2013

Overlooking Cook Strait towards the South island from above Wellington's south coast at Tarakena Bay, the Ataturk memorial is silhouetted against the setting sun.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Little boxes
Posted on 18 January 2013

First light on Seatoun.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Public telephone
Posted on 17 January 2013

A closer look at the phone box (sans phone) which still survives at Karaka Bay, and shown in the top right hand corner of the image in yesterday's post.

© 2013 Ross Collins

At the wharf
Posted on 16 January 2013

A family group fishes off the wharf at Karaka Bay today.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Lights
Posted on 15 January 2013

A display of Christmas lights on a huge conifer at Sir Peter Jackson's Karaka Bay residence can be seen widely across the nearby suburbs again this year. This image was captured very close to provide a more abstract interpretation.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Skipping through
Posted on 14 January 2013

In another image from Saturday's ASB Premiership football match, Team Wellington's Cory Chettleburgh is lucky to escape injury as he evades a dubious sliding tackle by defender Matt Cunneen on the edge of the Waitakere United penalty box.

© 2013 Ross Collins

To the Point
Posted on 13 January 2013

I hadn't planned to be at Point Halswell on the southern side of Wellington Harbour last night. However another photography plan fell through and I was passing through the area when I was struck by the unusual light. After a little post-production work to replicate the mood of the scene I encountered, this image was a result.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Moment of tooth
Posted on 12 January 2013

Waitakere United's Tim Myers (left) clashes heads with Henry Fa'arodo (Team Wellington) in an aerial contest for the ball during this afternoon's ASB Premiership football match at David Farrington Park in Miramar.

Moments later Myers recovered one of his teeth from the ground and handed it to a team official - presumably only to serve as a future momento of the match which was won by Waitakere by 3-1.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Playing chicken
Posted on 11 January 2013

A sea gull was getting close up and personal with a big silver bird on the southern approach to Wellington International Airport over Moa Point last week.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Cottontail
Posted on 10 January 2013

One of dozens of large and healthy rabbits that crossed my path at the Oruaiti Reserve last weekend.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Waiting
Posted on 9 January 2013

Fishermen wait for a bite on the beach at Breaker Bay.

© 2013 Ross Collins

It's everywhere!
Posted on 8 January 2013

The Webb Ellis Cup, aka the IRB Rugby World Cup and symbol of world rugby supremacy, was on display at the Te Papa National Museum when I was there over the Christmas break.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Bin fishin'
Posted on 7 January 2013

A fisherman returns to the boat ramp at Tarakena Bay on Wellington's south coast near sunset on Saturday night. The colour in this image has not been adjusted from the way it emerged from the camera.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Nicky and Buddy
Posted on 6 January 2013

These frequent jogging companions appear to be about to leap off the end of the world as they approach the tip of Point Dorset in the Oruaiti Reserve, above Breaker Bay on Wellington's south coast early yesterday.

© 2013 Ross Collins

On a mission
Posted on 5 January 2013

Anti-whaling protest vessel "Bob Barker" from the Sea Shepherd organisation is accompanied by the Centreport pilot boat as it nears Wellington Heads to depart from Wellington Harbour en route to Antarctica to frustrate Japanese whaling activities.

© 2013 Ross Collins

60 minute cherub
Posted on 4 January 2013

On the Sar Street frontage of the condemned building housing the former Flamingo Function Centre, this building also seen in my post on 23 December 2012.

© 2013 Ross Collins

On high
Posted on 3 January 2013

A huge banner depicting Martin Freeman in his role as Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" hangs from the side of a downtown Wellington building at present.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Have a happy meal
Posted on 2 January 2013

While returning to my car moments after capturing yesterday's image, I spotted this plaque under the verandah above the Loong Fong Restaurant a little further along Broadway. While pondering what it might be and figuring out how I might photograph it, a chap came out of the restaurant to see what I was up to (as happens a lot to me) and explained that it wished restaurant diners good luck.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Gotta go
Posted on 1 January 2013

The former Shell/Z service station in Broadway, Miramar looks forlorn as its fate remains unclear (at least, to me) - stripped of its pumps, other equipment and signage following last month's transfer of the Z franchise to the previous Caltex station across the road adjacent to the Wellington International Airport last.

© 2013 Ross Collins

Open all hours
Posted on 31 December 2012

... except when the DVS store in lower Cuba Street is not open.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Approved spray painter
Posted on 30 December 2012

According to the left hand of the two plaques, the approval appears to have lapsed in 1995 but others have taken up the craft on this abandoned panel beaters shop in Sar Street.

© 2012 Ross Collins

King of beasts
Posted on 29 December 2012

Another shot from the Wellington Zoo yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Those eyes
Posted on 28 December 2012

A pair of Nyala Antelopes at the Wellington Zoo today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Gruesome
Posted on 27 December 2012

A section of a huge Hobbits-themed diorama has been constructed by Weta Workshop and installed above the foyer of the Te Papa National Museum to coincide with the release of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey".

© 2012 Ross Collins

Through the mist
Posted on 26 December 2012

The cruise liner Oosterdam passes Steeple Rock off Seatoun Beach on its departure to Napier late this afternoon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

For starters
Posted on 25 December 2012

Salmon, three ways, served with a dill-infused vodka accompaniment.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Danger
Posted on 24 December 2012

The state of this notice painted on the rear of a building adjacent to that in yesterday's image suggests any danger may be over - not likely given the apparent state of the building.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Barred
Posted on 23 December 2012

Elle's Food Bar on Hutt Road is another business casualty of a recent earthquake classification. I had noticed the incongruity of the barred entrance to the food bar some time ago, but only yesterday did I have the opportunity to capture an image that wasn't obstructed by parked cars.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Calling Asia
Posted on 22 December 2012

From my archive, captured in Footscray, Melbourne - with some similarities to the image in yesterday's post.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Remnants
Posted on 21 December 2012

In Garrett Street.

© 2012 Ross Collins

En route to oblivion
Posted on 20 December 2012

The Tawa railway station waits out the final days before its demolition is scheduled to begin on 26 December.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Just not cricket
Posted on 19 December 2012

Veteran sports commentator, Bryan Waddle, who is better known for his test cricket commentaries at venues all around the world since 1984, was calling the women's hockey international between New Zealand and India at the National Hockey Stadium for live radio on Saturday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Keeping count
Posted on 18 December 2012

Only when I looked closely at this image from Saturday's women's hockey international between New Zealand and India did I notice the Indian umpire had been recording the score on her hand - at this stage, just after half time, showing three stokes for "I" and two strokes for "NZ".

© 2012 Ross Collins

Classy
Posted on 17 December 2012

Banning specific words and letter combinations on personality plates counts for nothing if wording is allowable on the margins of plates that creates an obscene or poor taste outcome.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In full voice
Posted on 16 December 2012

A group of local children of Indian descent sing an enthusiastic rendition of the Indian National Anthem, unaccompanied, before the start of yesterday's sixth women's hockey international between New Zealand and India at the National Hockey Stadium in Wellington.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Spot of bother
Posted on 15 December 2012

Late in today's sixth women's hockey international between New Zealand and India at the National Hockey Stadium in Wellington, Black Sticks defender, Sam Charlton, watches as goalkeeper Amelia Gibson cannot reach a shot on goal from a penalty corner by India, which is about to be converted by Chanchan Devi Thokchom to close the score to 6-4.

New Zealand held on to win the match by 6-5, and the six match series by 5-0 with one match drawn.

© 2012 Ross Collins

City living
Posted on 14 December 2012

Wedged between two commercial buildings, it appears that this house in Webb Street has not seen service as a private residence for some considerable time.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Waiting
Posted on 13 December 2012

Quirky furnishings afford comfort while waiting for the customer toilet at the Highwayman Café, Shannon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In remembrance
Posted on 12 December 2012

This bridge photographed today at Kaiparoro south of Eketahuna in the northern Wairarapa district commemorates the sacrifices of six local men in World War I, and the later loss of three more men in World War II. The construction of the single lane bridge avoided an often dangerous ford on the Makakahi River, but was deviated away from in 1956.

© 2012 Ross Collins

All the best
Posted on 11 December 2012

The 2012 sculpture "Everything is for the Best, in this Best of All Worlds" by Shane McGrath is installed in Glover Park.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Old and new
Posted on 10 December 2012

The brickwork and style of the Hunter Building at the Victoria University of Wellington (first opened in 1906) contrasts sharply with the modern cladding used on a more recent extension to the Student Union Building.

© 2012 Ross Collins

High chair
Posted on 9 December 2012

I have no idea why an infant's chair has been hoisted and fixed in this position in Drummond Street, Newtown.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In limbo
Posted on 8 December 2012

The historic former Tramway Hotel in Adelaide Road, dating from the 1870s but rebuilt after a fire in 1899 and known as The Adelaide in recent years, awaits its fate under an earthquake classification that has closed its doors.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Manky Chops
Posted on 7 December 2012

A section of a confused wall in Bute Street in central Wellington.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Behind bars
Posted on 6 December 2012

An image from my recent shoot at the recent Wellington Prison Open Day.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In the city
Posted on 5 December 2012

A section of central Wellington seen from the top floor of the Cotton Building at Victoria University in Kelburn.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Waiting
Posted on 4 December 2012

Optimistic surfers at Lyall Bay recently.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Maggie, Squeakie and Wow
Posted on 3 December 2012

Working through images in my photo archives recently, I uncovered this image showing the gravestones of three dogs which had been owned by Lady Muriel Barclay-Harvey, wife of a former Governor of South Australia.

The image was captured in 2009 at the so-called "Marble Hill Ruins" - the remains of the Governor's summer residence in the hills above Adelaide, which was largely destroyed and has languished since being engulfed in a bush fire which swept through the area in 1955.

© 2012 Ross Collins

No. 2
Posted on 2 December 2012

Another image captured in Leeds Street, Wellington.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In a tangle
Posted on 1 December 2012

Not Karachi, not Vientiane, not Mumbai, but central Wellington - Leeds Street to be precise. What a disgrace!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Out early
Posted on 30 November 2012

Pedalling along the Seatoun Beach frontage at daybreak.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Patterns
Posted on 29 November 2012

Lines and shapes in the morning sun at the Te Papa national museum.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Looking good
Posted on 28 November 2012

Sections of the former Wellington Harbour Board Shed 13 on the Wellington waterfront appear to have survived unchanged after 100 or more years.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Looking down
Posted on 27 November 2012

Standing on the verandah of the Embassy cinema, Gandalf looks out over the intersection of Courtenay Place and Kent Terrace which will be crowded tomorrow afternoon with thousands of spectators watching the arrival of celebrities for the World Premiere of the first movie of The Hobbit trilogy - "The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey".

© 2012 Ross Collins

Looking back
Posted on 26 November 2012

The Wellington Salvation Army Band entertains visitors at Saturday's Wellington Prison Open Day.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Game over
Posted on 25 November 2012

Yard 4 at the recently-closed Wellington Prison showing its age at the Open Day yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

West of the wall
Posted on 24 November 2012

An insider's view of the eastern wall of the Wellington Prison captured at the Open Day today. Formerly known to Wellingtonians as "Mt Crawford", the prison exited its last twelve inmates on Tuesday in advance of being mothballed.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Stand clear
Posted on 23 November 2012

Looking down while waiting at the station during my first trip on the Wellington commuter rail system in very many years.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Gotta go
Posted on 22 November 2012

Texting on the move in Featherston Street last week.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Top hat and tails
Posted on 21 November 2012

In Cuba Street yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

At the Point
Posted on 20 November 2012

The sun was ducking in and out of the cloud as sunset approached at Moa Point on Wellington's south coast last week, as seen from Tarakena Bay.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Into the music
Posted on 19 November 2012

Watching Darren Watson and the Real Deal Blues Band performing at the Tennyson Street Fair last month.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Final orders
Posted on 18 November 2012

A condemned block of shops in Miramar, Wellington awaiting demolition under an earthquake classification, include the former China Grill restaurant.

© 2012 Ross Collins

First light
Posted on 17 November 2012

At Seatoun Beach recently.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Rough habit
Posted on 16 November 2012

Seen above Featherston Street.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Up front
Posted on 15 November 2012

"Royal One" manoeuvred into position on the tarmac at the RNZAF terminal at the Wellington International Airport with Prince Charles' Personal Standard displayed from the cockpit, as "Operation Jubilee" entered its Wellington phase yesterday morning. More images from this shoot are posted here.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Royal glance
Posted on 14 November 2012

HRH Prince Charles looks my way as he steps onto the tarmac at the RNZAF terminal at Wellington International Airport this morning.

RNZAF Air Loadmaster Flight Sergeant Fabian McQueen, who travelled from Auckland with the Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall, waits at the foot of the stairway along with a member of the Diplomatic Protection Squad who also arrived on the Prince's aircraft. More images from this shoot are posted here.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Passing no. 2
Posted on 13 November 2012

In the Mt Cook area of Wellington.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Two more bums
Posted on 12 November 2012

Towards the target of a million at Circa Theatre.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Two-eyed monster
Posted on 11 November 2012

No, not the bypassing texter, but the controversial Kumutoto Wharf public toilets on the Wellington waterfront.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Cleaning windows
Posted on 10 November 2012

At the Portofino Restaurant on the Wellington waterfront.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Lunch
Posted on 9 November 2012

A diligent blackbird Dad was sharing a bowl of budgie seed with his offspring on our deck yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Testing times
Posted on 8 November 2012

Victoria University appears to be taking its health and safety obligations to its students very seriously at this stressful time of the year.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Glenorchy
Posted on 7 November 2012

I noticed this classic 1950's apartment block in a sad state of repair while I was passing through Alicetown in Lower Hutt earlier this week.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Up close
Posted on 6 November 2012

Small boats moored in Oriental Bay had a front row seat at last night's Guy Fawkes fireworks display in Wellington Harbour, seen here from near the summit of Mt Victoria. More images from this shoot are posted here.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Last minute supplies
Posted on 5 November 2012

A pop-up fireworks shop operating from a shipping container on The Esplanade opposite Petone Beach was doing steady business this afternoon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Chasing feathers
Posted on 4 November 2012

Top seed Samuel Ho is shown on his way to a classy, straight sets defeat of Matthew Chan in one semifinal of the Boys Singles at the New Zealand U19 National Championships in Wellington last month, before going on to win the final and the title the following day.

This was my first attempt at shooting badminton. Not merely are the viewing positions extremely difficult for photography, the lighting at Badminton Hall in Wellington is absolutely appalling! How the players can see the shuttle clearly when my camera struggles to find focus is quite beyond me! More images are here.

© 2012 Ross Collins

On the lookout
Posted on 2 November 2012

Another image of a white-faced heron at the Hikoikoi Reserve in Petone from earlier this week.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Bare bones
Posted on 2 November 2012

Another shot from Hikoikoi Reserve in Petone yesterday shows quirky accoutrements on boat sheds.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Taking flight
Posted on 1 November 2012

A white-faced heron in flight at the Hikoikoi Reserve in Petone today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Lining up
Posted on 31 October 2012

The cruise season is full swing with liners calling at the Port of Wellington today for the second day running. As I was passing this morning, the Oosterdam was being eased into its berth at Aotea Quay behind the Sun Princess, which had berthed a few minutes earlier.

© 2012 Ross Collins

On a clear day
Posted on 30 October 2012

... from the newly upgraded Oruaiti Reserve you can see past an incoming Bluebridge ferry and out through the entrance to Wellington Harbour across Cook Strait (almost) as far as Antarctica!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Up on the roof
Posted on 29 October 2012

Building maintenance underway recently above shops in Riddiford Street, Newtown.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Touching down
Posted on 28 October 2012

At Wellington International Airport.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Been shopping
Posted on 27 October 2012

In upper Taranaki Street, Wellington.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Squeezing the bank manager
Posted on 26 October 2012

A Newtown dentist has definitely got a parking space superior to that of the BNZ bank manager.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Suggestions of Pyongyang
Posted on 25 October 2012

Rather than depicting North Korea or some deprived part of the former Eastern Europe, this image is actually a view of the rear of buildings in Cuba Street, Wellington shot from Bute Street!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Big man in town
Posted on 24 October 2012

The Philippine Airlines Airbus A330-301 conveying visiting Philippines President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and his travelling entourage of 96 was parked at Wellington International Airport yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Touché
Posted on 23 October 2012

The striking new screening on the Newtown Park flats is featured in an image in the DomPost this morning, captured by staff photographer Phil Reid. My attention was also drawn to this unusual architecture when I was passing on Sunday, resulting in this image. However, as the site was locked up over the holiday weekend, I couldn't include any people in my image as I would have wished, and as Phil was able to do.

© 2012 Ross Collins

At no. 8
Posted on 22 October 2012

Seen in Emmett Street, Newtown yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Sunday driving
Posted on 21 October 2012

In Webb Street, Wellington this afternoon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

But is it art?
Posted on 20 October 2012

It's not clear whether the wood and wire object which has appeared on the verandah of this woodwork gallery in Aro Valley is intended as a work of art or merely as a sampler of the workmanship of the gallery.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Washday at the a-par-tment
Posted on 18 October 2012

In Aro Valley on Tuesday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Needing a little TLC
Posted on 17 October 2012

A dilapidated early Wellington building in Tennyson Street, now displaying an earthquake warning to anyone entering it for obvious reasons. Hopefully, a way (and money) will be found for strengthening to an adequate standard to enable it to be saved from demolition.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Downtown
Posted on 16 October 2012

A view from the Wellington waterfront back looking into the CBD past the Meridian Energy building (at left) to the Deloitte building (at centre) and a presently unnamed building (at right) which houses the Craigs Investment Partners finance products and advisory firm.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Running the boards
Posted on 15 October 2012

At last week's Waitakere West Premiers vs. Auckland U15 National Basketball Championship final, Jacob Luke (WWP) shoots for goal under close attention from Auckland's Samuel Aruwa and Samson Aruwa.

© 2012 Ross Collins

The Gospel according to Darren
Posted on 14 October 2012

Long-time blues identity Darren Watson lead his Real Deal Blues Band through a tight, one-hour set at the Tennyson Street Fair (organised by the Elim Church) in central Wellington this morning, supported by Alan Norman on keyboards and accordion (pictured), Elliotte Fuimaono on bass, and Richard Te One Jr. on drums.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Under the radar (2)
Posted on 13 October 2012

The unusual stealth design of the Singapore Navy's Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart was clearly apparent as it passed Steeple Rock off Seatoun on its way to the open sea late on Thursday afternoon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Where there's smoke
Posted on 12 October 2012

... there's often a photograph, which proved true this afternoon when I traced huge plumes of smoke to this scrub fire above Moa Point being attended to by a small fire crew and a single appliance.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Going for goal
Posted on 11 October 2012

Another image from the U15 National Basketball Championship at the ASB Sports Centre, captured during a 5-8 semifinal match today between Harbour and Rotorua, which resulted in a win to Harbour by 93 - 57.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Up for it
Posted on 10 October 2012

Josiah Ngatipa (Harbour) and Esau Luke (Waitakere West Premiers) compete for the ball under the Harbour hoop during an U15 National Championship basketball quarterfinal match at the ASB Sports Centre today - won with a Waitakere field goal 3.6 seconds from the final buzzer by 75 - 74.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Under the radar
Posted on 9 October 2012

The Republic of Singapore Navy's Formidable-class, mulit-role, stealth frigate RSS Stalwart berthed at Queen's Wharf, Wellington today. The marque erected at the stern of the vessel was the venue for a diplomatic reception hosted by the Singapore Prime Minister to which guests were beginning to arrive at the time I captured this image.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Plumbing
Posted on 8 October 2012

Pipework running between the Hunter and Kirk Buildings at Victoria University.

© 2012 Ross Collins

High living
Posted on 7 October 2012

The Te Puni Village student hall of residence at the Victoria University Kelburn campus.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Taking it to the street (2)
Posted on 6 October 2012

In Wellington's Courtenay Place today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Taking it to the street
Posted on 5 October 2012

I noticed yesterday that the People's Coffee café in Newtown's Constable Street is now operating from a caravan on the footpath in front of the store, while the building undergoes extensive maintenance - presumably related to earthquake strengthening.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Happy in his work
Posted on 4 October 2012

Former Belgian international, Stein Huysegems, was enjoying the Wellington Phoenix team practice at Newtown Park this morning, ahead of his first A-League appearance in the season opener for his new team against Sydney FC on Saturday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In bloom
Posted on 2 October 2012

Another image from my shoot of the annual show of tulips at the Wellington Botanical Gardens last week.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Darth to the extreme
Posted on 1 October 2012

In another image from yesterday's Shelly Bay Sealed Sprint event, Ryan Stevens pilots his Mazda RX7 Turbo around Mahanga Bay.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Sunday driving
Posted on 29 September 2012

Scott Newlands competes in his Honda Integra in the Wellington Car Club's Shelly Bay Sealed Sprint event around the Miramar Peninsula today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Can we have two long blacks over here?
Posted on 29 September 2012

At Scorch-o-Rama in Scorching Bay late yesterday afternoon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Rising from the scrub
Posted on 28 September 2012

I received some complimentary feedback today when I used an alternative crop of this 2006 image of a disused water tower near the town of Wentworth on the New South Wales border with Victoria as the cover photo on my Facebook page.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Lending a hand
Posted on 27 September 2012

When I saw a Malaysian visitor posing for her friends at the Wellington Botanical Gardens tulips yesterday, I quickly shared the use of her outstretched arm (permission granted retrospectively) to create this colourful image. Zhi Hua, thanks again - a copy has been forwarded to your e-mail address!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Pressing upward
Posted on 26 September 2012

The annual show of tulips was in full bloom at the Wellington Botanical Gardens today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Old and new
Posted on 24 September 2012

The shadow of the venerable Hunter Building at Victoria University is cast against the modern architecture of additions to the Student Union building.

© 2012 Ross Collins

A stroll in the sun
Posted on 23 September 2012

Outside Victoria University today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Keeping an eye out
Posted on 22 September 2012

In Dominion Road, Auckland recently.

© 2012 Ross Collins

On the ball
Posted on 21 September 2012

The naming this week of Wellington's Louis Fenton to one of the two remaining places for under 23 players in the Wellington Phoenix for the 2012-2013 A-League season reminded me of his appearance for Team Wellington against YoungHeart Manawatu last December, where he is seen here at left in a contest for the ball with Pablo Moya.

© 2011 Ross Collins

In the spotlight
Posted on 20 September 2012

Kevin Borich leads his Kevin Borich Express in a show at the Williamstown RSL near Melbourne back in July.

A founding member of seminal New Zealand 60's rockers, the La De Das, Borich is still punching out hard rocking blues as he has done for nearly 50 years, in this concert backed by son Lucius on drums and bassist Harry Brus.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Once was studio
Posted on 19 September 2012

The former Berry & Co photography building at 147 Cuba Street.

© 2012 Ross Collins

High drama
Posted on 18 September 2012

In another image from the Wellington Handball Open at the ASB Sports Centre last weekend, Ryan Rosselli (Miramar Bravehearts) is about to release a shot on goal watched by team mates Liam Privett and Lars Bock, as SpartaNZ defenders Tom Tregdiga and Pablo Steinman desperately attempt to block.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Money is good
Posted on 17 September 2012

Bills for an upcoming show by Anika Moa, Boh Runga and Hollie Smith were being posted in Garrett Street this morning.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Breaking out
Posted on 16 September 2012

The early signs of spring include the first of these newly-emerging Chatham Island forget-me-not flowers putting on a show in our back garden this morning.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Point blank
Posted on 15 September 2012

At the Wellington Handball Open at the ASB Sports Centre today, Alexander Gaehler (Vikings) is about to unleash a shot on the Hutt Hawks goal. However, Hutt won the match 21-17.

© 2012 Ross Collins

On with the show
Posted on 13 September 2012

All in readiness for John Paul Young's CD release show last Sunday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Above Paulette's
Posted on 12 September 2012

Drying the laundry.

© 2012 Ross Collins

The Gospel according to St John
Posted on 11 September 2012

Auckland's Roskill Chapel is looking a little down at heel.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Let me entertain you
Posted on 10 September 2012

Andrew London leads Hot Club Sandwich in a concert at Old St Paul's on Friday night with guest, Christchurch guitarist, Bob Heinz.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Into the music
Posted on 9 September 2012

John Paul Young performs at the release of his recent CD at the Museum of Wellington City & Sea today. The CD is themed on a shark attack in Wellington Harbour that occurred in 1852.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Remarkable
Posted on 8 September 2012

Why someone in Simpsonville, South Carolina would be googling "jonas blixt caddie" to arrive at this image isn't entirely clear to me but, then again, I can't think why I might have captured it, although the mountains forming a backdrop to the 2009 New Zealand Open at The Hills in Arrowtown are definitely "Remarkable".

For the record, as best I can ascertain from my extensive research, the Scandanavian legs in this image belong to Jonas Blixt's sister, Caroline.

© 2012 Ross Collins

All class
Posted on 7 September 2012

Top Argentine player Juan Martin del Potro, himself a former grand slam winner and seen here competing in the 2009 Australian Open, impressed all who saw his deference toward another former grand slam winner after defeating Andy Roddick at the US Open yesterday to end "A-Rod's" long and distinguished career.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Double crazy
Posted on 6 September 2012

A pair of Air New Zealand A320 aircraft in "Crazy About Rugby" livery seen at Auckland International Airport when I was passing through last weekend.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Out of gas
Posted on 5 September 2012

Yet another service station no longer viable as a business despite, or perhaps because of, the high prices of fuel.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Question of the day
Posted on 4 September 2012

Easy peasy. With the help of Wikipedia, anyone can discover he killed himself!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Saturday shopping
Posted on 3 September 2012

At the Fresh World vegetable market on Auckland's Dominion Road.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Suiting up
Posted on 2 September 2012

I came across a major emergency turnout in Three Kings, Auckland today investigating a large plastic container which had been discovered near public conveniences and the Big King Reserve, and which had unknown but potentially dangerous contents. Five fire appliances and other vehicles were deployed, and around 20 Fire Service personnel were on site and were treating the situation very seriously.

I literally had a plane to catch and couldn't wait to learn the outcome.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Enjoy
Posted on 1 September 2012

On Dominion Road in Auckland today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Signing off
Posted on 31 August 2012

Andy Roddick's unexpected announcement in New York this morning that he will retire from all tennis after the current US Open brought to mind his appearance in the 2008 AAMI Classic invitational tournament at Kooyong in Melbourne, at which I captured this image during a practice session on centre court before the start of a day's play.

Well known both for his athletic physique and his penchant for practising topless, this and similar of my images of Andy have been popular search targets in the four years since first posted to this website.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Hey U
Posted on 29 August 2012

I noticed this sign high above Miramar today, obviously produced with a much lower budget than was available for "Wellington Blown Away" installed a short distance away.

I don't recall the matter in dispute reaching the mainstream media, despite the wording on the smaller board to the right of the main sign reading "Daddys (sic) a High Court judge".

P.S. I've since found this article on Stuff that discusses the issue.

© 2012 Ross Collins

On the upswing
Posted on 28 August 2012

As a 15 year old amateur, Lydia Ko created history this past weekend when she won the LPGA-sanctioned Canadian Open in Vancouver, beating a field including 48 of the world's (then) top 50 players.

The steely determination that has now taken her to her own ranking inside the world's top 50 professionals and amateurs is seen in her eyes when competing as a 13 year old (and caddied by her mother) at the New Zealand Interprovincial Tournament in December 2010.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Song bird
Posted on 27 August 2012

Marian Carter entertains at the Museum of Wellington City & Sea yesterday as half of a duo with Cindy Muggeridge.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Spinning a yarn
Posted on 26 August 2012

Well known musical balladeer Phil Garland presented a set of folk songs in a performance at the Museum of Wellington City & Sea today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Making the most
Posted on 22 August 2012

On a day not suitable for much else outdoors, this fellow was taking advantage of the steady southerly breeze for a little wind surfing at Lyall Bay today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

It's home
Posted on 21 August 2012

An inner city warehouse adapted to living accommodation.

© 2012 Ross Collins

On the prow
Posted on 19 August 2012

A section of the tiled art work in the shape of the prow of a Māori war canoe by ceramicist Shona Rapira Davies, installed in Te Aro Park in Manners Street, Wellington.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Playing hooky
Posted on 18 August 2012

Capital captain Scott Barnett is caught guilty of playing the stick of Ryan Cosgrove (Central) during this afternoon's highly entertaining National Hockey League match at the National Hockey Stadium in Wellington - won by Capital 4-2.

More photos from this shoot are here.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Down the alley
Posted on 17 August 2012

Captured through a locked gate alongside the Mark Kendall mens shoe store in Manners Street, Wellington.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Right hand down a bit
Posted on 16 August 2012

The Pass of Branda between Seatoun and Breakers Bay, looking down on the entrance to Wellington Harbour.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Race on
Posted on 14 August 2012

I received advice today that this image, captured during the Wellington leg of the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series in January last year, was one of two I submitted that were accepted into the 2012 National Photojournalism Competition. It wasn't a winner, but it got into the race!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Is there a plumber in the house?
Posted on 12 August 2012

In another image from yesterday's Hong Kong Café fire, a leaking hose joint gets attention.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Is the dessert restaurant that way?
Posted on 11 August 2012

Not just the curries but all menu items will be subject to delay following a fire in the Hong Kong Café building in Taranaki Street this afternoon. The blaze was sending huge plumes of smoke from the roof, and was attended by at least five hose trucks, a cherry picker-type hoist truck and a rescue/command centre truck, along with police vehicles and dozens of onlookers. More photos here.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Synchronicity
Posted on 8 August 2012

Lunch hour in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, captured earlier this year.

© 2012 Ross Collins

All hopes dashed
Posted on 7 August 2012

In another image from Sunday's Chatham Cup semifinal, Emiliano Tade (Central United) is brought down by Miramar Rangers goalkeeper Sacha Nathu whose team mate Wiremu Patrick is arriving in support, leading to Nathu's red-carding (Miramar's second of three) and a penalty converted by Tade in the 83rd minute for Central United to take an unassailable 4-0 lead.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Backs to the wall
Posted on 6 August 2012

Local Miramar Rangers supporters at yesterday's Chatham Cup semifinal at David Farrington Park in Wellington might have been excused for showing distain for their team's mediocre first half performance during the match interval, but were probably taking advantage of the warmth of the sun on their backs!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Collision course
Posted on 5 August 2012

Luke Rowe (Miramar Rangers) is in imminent danger as he puts his head on the line in a contest for the ball with Mauro Rodrigez (Central United) during today's Chatham Cup semifinal at David Farrington Park in Wellington, won convincingly by Central United by 6-0.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Back to basics
Posted on 4 August 2012

All Blacks and Hurricanes loose forward Victor Vito, seen here breaking free of Peato Lafaele as he makes a charge for the line, showed all his class in an appearance for his club, Marist St Pats, in today's Jubilee Cup semi final against Norths at Evans Bay Park. At the end of an intense struggle, MSP was the winner by 33-6.

© 2012 Ross Collins

On the board
Posted on 2 August 2012

Andy Hayward, seen here competing for Midlands in the National Hockey League last year, was a goal scorer for New Zealand in its 3-1 win over India at the Olympic Games overnight. Simon Child, shown in pursuit for Auckland, is also a member of the Black Sticks Olympic team.

© 2012 Ross Collins

At the window
Posted on 1 August 2012

I captured this image in the Edwardian homestead at the Bushy Park Nature Reserve near Wanganui. Although dating back to 2009, I've only recently spent any significant time on it. It's not typical of what I shoot (but then, what is?), but I continue to tinker with it and it's growing on me!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Dat you Morgan?
Posted on 31 July 2012

While shooting the erection of the Wellington Blown Away sign last week, this Boeing Business Jet took off from Wellington International Airport. It had been on the ground for several days, but not in a location that had afforded me the opportunity to capture a useful photograph.

The ownership of the aircraft is widely attributed to the SAS Institute, a US business analytics software corporation. However, as far as I can ascertain, there was no good reason for it to come all the way to New Zealand on SAS business last week. My guess is that it might have been under lease to the Government of Zimbabwe, and was being used to transport Prime Minister Morgan Tzangarai and his entourage on their recent visit to Australia and New Zealand, although I can find no information to corroborate my hunch.

Please contact me if you can help me clarify this.

Post script: An article in the DomPost on 18 August noted that SAS Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Jim Davis, had been in Wellington, and also referred to plans by the Ministry of Social Development to use SAS software in its welfare reform programme. Putting two and two together, it seems likely that the SAS aircraft was indeed used to transport Davis here to seal the MSD deal.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Thanks for coming
Posted on 30 July 2012

Scots College enforcer Henry Stowers puts a big fend on a would-be Rongotai College tackler, as a previous attempted tackler picks himself up from the turf during the 1st XV match between the two colleges played at Scots College on Saturday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Going cheap
Posted on 29 July 2012

The sign from an adjacent plumbing store might suggest the Wellington City Council is selling, rather than upgrading and upgrading, under street infrastructure displaced by the realignment of the intersection of Adelaide Road and John Street. The works are necessitated by the new Countdown Supermarket taking shape there.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Bringing Wellington together
Posted on 28 July 2012

This worker was positioned between the already-fixed "W-E-L-L-I-N" letters and the remaining "G-T-O-N-Poof" section during the final stages of erecting the "Wellington Blown Away" sign above the Miramar cutting yesterday. More images are posted here.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Give us an "E"
Posted on 27 July 2012

Early stages of the erection of the "Wellington Blown Away" sign get under way above the Miramar cutting today in paradoxically perfectly calm and sunny weather.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Behind closed doors
Posted on 26 July 2012

What appears to be a former ammunition bunker built into the hillside near fortifications overlooking the entrance to Wellington Harbour above Breaker Bay has taken serious hits from taggers.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Hitching a ride
Posted on 23 July 2012

Richard Smith (Dunedin Technical) climbs (literally) above Wiremu Patrick (Miramar Rangers) during yesterday's Chatham Cup quarterfinal match at David Farrington Park.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Causing mayhem
Posted on 22 July 2012

Solomon Islands international Michael Fifi crosses the ball for Miramar Rangers under close attention from Liam Lockhart during today's Chatham Cup quarterfinal match against Dunedin Technical at David Farrington Park in Wellington.

Fifi was a key performer in the Rangers 5-1 win, proving a constant handful for Dunedin Technical defenders with dashing runs down the right wing.

© 2012 Ross Collins

American classic
Posted on 20 July 2012

This image was shot at the same time as that of another Chevrolet Bel Air posted earlier this week. A monochrome version of a similar image became the cover photo on my Facebook page today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Making tracks
Posted on 19 July 2012

From my archives, captured at Back Beach near New Plymouth in 2007.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Just a thought
Posted on 18 July 2012

Seen in Aro Park, in Aro Valley this morning.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Labour of love
Posted on 17 July 2012

Today I've been working on a print of this image, yet another captured at St Clair beach in Dunedin in April, getting it ready for submission to the Wellington Photographic Society Annual Exhibition which is coming up soon. Hopefully it will make the cut!

Every time I look at it, I can feel the bitterly cold southerly wind that was racing along the beach that morning.

© 2012 Ross Collins

At Harry's
Posted on 15 July 2012

... or perhaps at The Greasy Groper?

© 2012 Ross Collins

Creature comforts
Posted on 14 July 2012

But how do they expect me to use the fork?

© 2012 Ross Collins

Captain Fantastic
Posted on 13 July 2012

Ahead of his inspirational captain's performance in tonight's exciting win over the Chiefs, Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith is seen in training earlier this week watched by Cory Jane and Julian Savea.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Back to the beach
Posted on 12 July 2012

Another, previously unprocessed, image from my sunrise shoot at St Clair beach in Dunedin earlier in the year, that I have been working on today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In good running order
Posted on 11 July 2012

"The Bus", recent new All Black winger Julian Savea, moves freely at Hurricanes training this morning ahead of Friday night's make-or-break Super 15 match against the Chiefs, watched by fullback Andre Taylor.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Membership has its privileges
Posted on 10 July 2012

But avoiding the need to queue for entry to the Scienceworks museum at Spotswood, near Melbourne, isn't one of them.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Deferred maintenance
Posted on 9 July 2012

This obviously once-elegant building seen in central Melbourne last week seems capable of being restored to its former glory, if the owner was not apparently waiting for a commercial proposal which might involve its demolition or survival as just a facade.

© 2012 Ross Collins

At the diner
Posted on 8 July 2012

This handsome 1956 Ford Thunderbird was one of nearly a dozen classic American vehicles, all left hand drive, parked near a local café this morning as the owners took a coffee break.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Pick a bin, any bin
Posted on 7 July 2012

Putting out the trash in Balcombe Place, off Little Collins Street in Melbourne.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Home sweet home
Posted on 6 July 2012

Living on the ledge in Union Lane, Melbourne.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Abundant brollies
Posted on 5 July 2012

A colourful promotion in the Australia on Collins shopping centre in Melbourne.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Pineapples
Posted on 4 July 2012

The window display of brightly coloured pineapples made of crepe paper drew my attention to the Pollon florist shop at the rear of St Paul's Cathedral in Flinders Lane, Melbourne last week. And, yes, that is a skull in the window of the Alphaville boutique next door, with dozens more in other windows and on display inside the store.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Signage
Posted on 3 July 2012

Contrasting authorised and unauthorised graphics in Union Lane, off Little Collins Street in the Melbourne CBD.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Man of stature
Posted on 2 July 2012

Large, free-standing lettering outside the Napoleon - Revolution to Empire exhibition showing at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Non-stop
Posted on 1 July 2012

The much lived-in face of Kevin Borich fronting his Kevin Borich Express for a packed and appreciative crowd at the Williamstown RSL today, showing his long experience of hard rocking blues dating back as far as the 1960s with the La De Das.

While a ring can be seen in just his right ear, I can vouch for ringing in both of mine at the conclusion of the show. But the true artist must suffer for his art! More images from this shoot are posted here.

© 2012 Ross Collins

First light
Posted on 30 June 2012

The sun breaks through cloud as it rises over the Melbourne CBD, seen from Ferguson Pier at Williamstown this morning.

© 2012 Ross Collins

King of the road
Posted on 29 June 2012

The Roger Miller song remembered in the words added to this signage at Footscray, near Melbourne.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Still life - in the 21st century
Posted on 28 June 2012

Seen in Hoosier Lane, Melbourne today, and photographed in situ. No rubbish was touched in the making of this image!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Seat 3F
Posted on 27 June 2012

NZ855, Wellington to Melbourne, 6:53:47 am AEST today, as the first glimmer of the rising sun appears above the cloud layer behind the starboard wing.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Gaps
Posted on 26 June 2012

Some experience of crossword puzzles and Scrabble is useful.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Tip me over, pour me out!
Posted on 25 June 2012

A row of teapots at the quirky Teapotland, Owaka, South Otago.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Happy feet?
Posted on 24 June 2012

Reuse of an old church building in the main street of Balclutha, South Otago.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Winter rays
Posted on 23 June 2012

I uncovered this previously unprocessed image this morning, shot six years ago in North Hagley Park in Christchurch, and thought it suited the time of the year.

© 2012 Ross Collins

But someone's got to do it
Posted on 22 June 2012

Johnson Street, Wellington adjacent to Midland Park.

© 2012 Ross Collins

For the record
Posted on 21 June 2012

Visiting overseas air force chiefs capture some snaps of an RNZAF P-3K2 Orion at the RNZAF 75th Anniversary Air Show at the Ohakea Air Force Base back in March.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Out of time
Posted on 20 June 2012

The former garage and general store buildings in the settlement of Waipahi, Otago, photographed in April.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Hachas
Posted on 19 June 2012

A very unsophisticated emergency tool on board the Chilean Navy training ship B.E. Esmeralda at Queens Wharf in Wellington recently.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Going for it
Posted on 18 June 2012

Jordan-Glen Bradbrook leaves a defender sprawling as he pins his ears back for Scots College in a recent 1st XV match against Aotea College, played at Scots.

© 2012 Ross Collins

As befits a Lieutenant General
Posted on 17 June 2012

Putting two and two together, it seems safe to assume that this US-flagged military jet parked at the RNZAF terminal at the Wellington International Airport last week was providing transport for Lt Gen Duane Thiessen, Commander of U.S. Marines Corps Forces Pacific and Maj Gen Ronald Bailey, Commanding General of the First Marine Division, who were in town for events connected with 70th anniversary of the arrival of US Forces in New Zealand during World War II.

The position of the aircraft did not reveal its tail number or other identification, but my research suggests it may be a Gulfstream C-37A - the military designation of the Gulfstream V Business Jet. The US Navy Fleet Logistics Support Wing Detachment at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii (where the U.S. Marines Corps Forces Pacific is based) is said to operate one such model, which I believe may be this. If you can help me positively identify it, please e-mail me.

© 2012 Ross Collins

On parade
Posted on 16 June 2012

US Marine Corps servicemen parade outside the Hall of Memories at the National War Memorial before this week's wreath laying ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the arrival of US Forces in New Zealand in World War II. There are more images from this event here.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Men with flowers
Posted on 15 June 2012

Prime Minister John Key, Governor-General Lt Gen the Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae and US Ambassador David Huebner emerge from the wreath laying ceremony in the Hall of Memories at the National War Memorial yesterday, marking the 70th anniversary of the arrival of US Forces in New Zealand in World War II.

This group was the first of a succession of invitees who placed roses on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the conclusion of the service. More images from this event are posted here.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Walking the dog
Posted on 14 June 2012

Yesterday afternoon at the Clyde Quay Boat Harbour in the inner Wellington Harbour.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Fruit 'n' veg
Posted on 13 June 2012

In the inner-city Wellington suburb of Aro Valley this morning.

© 2012 Ross Collins

A place for everything
Posted on 12 June 2012

... and everything in its place on board the Chilean Navy training ship B.E. Esmeralda at Queens Wharf in Wellington last week.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Girls having fun
Posted on 11 June 2012

Brooklyn Northern United goalkeeper Cushla Lichtwark is all determination during yesterday's Women's Central League match at Seatoun Park as she repels a challenge from Seatoun's Tess McPherson and Louise Potts, while BNU teammate Sarah Holland-Kearins takes evasive action.

Lichtwark was one of the standout players on the day, despite picking the ball out of the back of her own net on seven occasions. Is this the same Cushla Lichtwark that was playing for the Central Pulse in the ANZ Netball League as recently as last season, and is reported to be playing for Wellington East in the Wellington Premier 1 competition this year? She certainly has the stature and athleticism of a top netballer!

© 2012 Ross Collins

In the spotlight
Posted on 10 June 2012

A view of the Chilean Navy training ship B.E. Esmeralda at Queens Wharf on Friday, as the late afternoon sun was disappearing behind high rise Wellington CBD buildings. I've posted more images of the Esmeralda's 2012 visit to Wellington here and from a previous visit in 2007 here.

© 2012 Ross Collins

At the gym
Posted on 9 June 2012

A section of the Hodge Sports Centre, a covered sports pitch at Scots College designed by Athfield Architects, photographed as the sun was setting late this afternoon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In the rigging
Posted on 8 June 2012

Looking upward today on board the Chilean Navy training ship B.E. Esmeralda, moored at Queens Wharf during a visit to Wellington this week.

© 2012 Ross Collins

On the run
Posted on 7 June 2012

While photographing the sun setting on the Ataturk Memorial above Tarakena Bay on the Wellington south coast this afternoon, two dogs running ahead of ladies from Miramar's Lush Puppies dog grooming salon dashed excitedly across the frame - for which their owners needlessly apologised, but for which I was very grateful. Thanks again, Heidi!

© 2012 Ross Collins

At the keys
Posted on 6 June 2012

Keyboardist Matthias Jordan performing in Wellington in April with Auckland outfit, Dictaphone Blues.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Nearly home
Posted on 5 June 2012

An Air New Zealand Bombardier Q300 aircraft is in the final stages of approach to Wellington International Airport at Moa Point, seen from Tarakena Bay just after sunset last week.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Desperate defence
Posted on 4 June 2012

Scots College's Paddy Gluck, TJ Va'a (partly obscured) and Henry Stowers struggle to stop a marauding St Pat's attacker during Saturday's 1st XV college rugby match at Evans Bay Park.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Catch me if you can
Posted on 3 June 2012

Jackson Garden-Bachop, son of former All Black Graeme Bachop (and a name to watch for the future), breaks free of his last would-be tackler before running 40 metres to score his second try for Scots College in yesterday's match with St Pats College Town.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Scotsman's stand?
Posted on 2 June 2012

This fellow had viewing position A1 on the roof of a house next door to Evans Bay Park to watch Scots College and St Pat's College Town battle out a 1st XV rugby match this afternoon, won by Scots by 29 - 15.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Jarkko
Posted on 1 June 2012

Watching Finnish player Jarkko Nieminen on television last night in action against Andy Murray at the French Open brought to mind this image, captured at the 2009 Australian Open.

© 2012 Ross Collins

2
Posted on 30 May 2012

At Dunedin Railway Station last month.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Hi-ho, hi-ho
Posted on 29 May 2012

City workers exiting the Wellington Railway Station earlier this week.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Vinyl rules ok!
Posted on 28 May 2012

Another image captured at the Evil Genius record store in Berhampore.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Cliff on rotate
Posted on 27 May 2012

An ominous future for a rock 'n roll great outside the Evil Genius record store in Berhampore yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Gigging in the 'burbs
Posted on 26 May 2012

Wellington soul singer-songwriter Louis Baker performing to a small but perfectly formed audience at the Evil Genius record store in Berhampore today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

To the daily grind
Posted on 25 May 2012

Commuters making their way to work along the Wellington Harbour waterfront this morning.

© 2012 Ross Collins

For the fit and able
Posted on 24 May 2012

The Kakariki track pedestrian zigzag above Worser Bay, presently closed due to slips.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Scraping back the years
Posted on 23 May 2012

Many decades, possibly more than a century, of paint was being removed from (now unused) doors at the Museum of Wellington City & Sea, originally the former Wellington Harbour Board's bond store, in Customhouse Quay today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

A world of his own
Posted on 22 May 2012

This chap was alone with his thoughts paddling his surf ski in glorious weather on Worser Bay this morning.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Quiet corner
Posted on 21 May 2012

Another image captured at the Bolton Street cemetery yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Spotlight
Posted on 20 May 2012

A shaft of light reflecting off a nearby office block was illuminating this head stone in Wellington's historic Bolton Street cemetery when I was wandering through late this afternoon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Through the mists of time
Posted on 18 May 2012

Earlier this week I found this image buried deep in my archives and posted it to a small gallery I have at the Canadian photo site, 500px, where it rated very highly and elicited some favourable comments.

It was shot in July 2006 (which even predates the start of this blog) from Mt Victoria looking towards the Westpac Stadium and the container wharf at the Port of Wellington during a day of extremely heavy fog.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Off the beaten track
Posted on 17 May 2012

Some Wellington urban art in Pringle Lane, just off Wakefield Street.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Bad hair infringement, ref!
Posted on 16 May 2012

Fijian Osea Kolinisau's hair style is the epitome of bad taste as he charges down the field during the Tonga vs. Fiji pool match at the IRB Rugby Sevens at Westpac Stadium in Wellington in February.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In behind
Posted on 14 May 2012

While perusing my images captured during the last day of the third test match between the South African Proteas and the New Zealand Black Caps at the Basin Reserve in Wellington earlier this year, I came across this shot of the Proteas' J P Duminy in defensive mode while yet to score.

Black Caps wicketkeeper Kruger van Wyk and captain Brendon McCullum, fielding at slip, are closely following the path of the ball.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Back on board
Posted on 13 May 2012

Crew members from the Royal New Zealand Navy's main hydrographic vessel, HMNZS Resolution, return to their ship at Queens Wharf after time ashore during a stopover in Wellington in February.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Off the hook
Posted on 12 May 2012

The look on this fish's face at Riverton recently says it all. However, there was a happy ending when the fisherman used the knife only to release the line and hook, and the fish was quickly returned to the Jacob's River estuary.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Deep in the bush
Posted on 11 May 2012

The Matai Falls in the Catlins area of the South Otago/Southland region.

© 2012 Ross Collins

But is it art?
Posted on 10 May 2012

This art installation in the Jacob's River estuary at Riverton in Southland, reminiscent of a mai mai (duck shooting hide), is but one of many controversial works by local artist Wayne Hill.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Stoney end
Posted on 9 May 2012

Mullet Bay, Southland.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Heading home
Posted on 8 May 2012

Surrounded by flock of hopeful seagulls, a fishing boat was rounding Wellington's south coast heading to Wellington Harbour as dusk was descending earlier this week.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Making an appearance
Posted on 7 May 2012

Last night's perigee moon seen rising behind the Orongorongo Range from Tarakena Bay, Wellington at 5.35pm, precisely two hours after the moment of full moon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Front office
Posted on 6 May 2012

This friendly fellow took an interest in me as I passed a (the?) Riverton garage workshop.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Braided
Posted on 5 May 2012

The Rakaia River meaders across the Canterbury plains toward the sea.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Tyred
Posted on 4 May 2012

A well-worn tyre on an old-time tractor at the Thorbury Vintage Tractor Museum in Southland, operated by the Thornbury Vintage Tractor and Implement Club. The club has been in existence for more than 50 years.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Carcass
Posted on 3 May 2012

A rusting boiler and some ribs from the hull are all that remains of a vessel in the Ships' Graveyard in Bluff Harbour (Tiwai Point aluminium smelter in the background).

© 2012 Ross Collins

On the tiles
Posted on 2 May 2012

The foyer of the Dunedin Railway Station.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Orepuki
Posted on 1 May 2012

My take on a watertank in Southland made famous in an image by noted New Zealand photographer Laurence Aberhart in 1981.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Waiting
Posted on 30 April 2012

At the Dunedin Railway Station today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Walking the dog
Posted on 29 April 2012

On St Clair beach, Dunedin, late this afternoon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Taking a beating
Posted on 28 April 2012

A section of a line of Macrocarpa trees at Orepuki along the western Southland coast which has been twisted and bleached by the relentless southerly storms that drive in from the Antarctic in this area.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Fast responders
Posted on 27 April 2012

I just happened to be outside the Riverton Volunteer Fire Station in Southland today when the siren sounded. Within just a few minutes, a crew of five had arrived from their day jobs, changed into their protective gear and were in the fire engine and away - very impressive!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Resting in peace
Posted on 26 April 2012

The hulks of two abandoned fishing boats in Bluff Harbour in the area known as Ships' Graveyard, photographed shortly before sunrise this morning.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Cascade
Posted on 25 April 2012

I had another opportunity (and the time) to photograph the beautiful Purakaunui Falls in the Catlins area of the South Otago/Southland today, including getting into a position to get this perspective.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Sky and field
Posted on 23 April 2012

I was searching my archives for landscape images this morning when I came across this, captured when I was travelling along the Sturt Highway between Gawler, South Australia and Mildura, Victoria nearly three years ago.

A little earlier I had stopped to photograph some drowned gum trees at the small town of Kingston-On-Murray, passed through the nearby towns of Berri and Renmark, and then crossed over to the Victoria side of the state border when I came on this. The scenery doesn't change very much for around 100 kilometres or so on this stretch of the highway.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Taking charge
Posted on 22 April 2012

Slow Boat Records supremo, Jeremy Taylor, didn't merely make a song request of the Dictaphone Blues at yesterday's store gig for World Record Store Day. He couldn't resist stepping up to a mike to add his voice to that of front man Edward Castelow - and he did a commendable job, it should be said!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Transcribing
Posted on 21 April 2012

Auckland outfit Dictaphone Blues played a tight and classy set at Slowboat Records in Cuba Street today as part of World Record Store Day. The trio comprised of Edward Castelow (guitar, lead vocals), Rob Collins (bass) and Myles Allpress (drums) is being augmented on its current tour by Matthias Jordan (keyboards).

© 2012 Ross Collins

End of the road
Posted on 20 April 2012

Life's flotsam and jetsam at Flinders Street Station in Melbourne.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Extracurricular activity
Posted on 19 April 2012

This structure in the grounds of Wellington High School, possibly an electricity substation, has been the subject of some artistic licence.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Fill up
Posted on 17 April 2012

The same stuff that cost the equivalent of 32 cents per gallon when I was a youngster buying it in a can for the family lawnmower is well over $2.00 per litre today. But perhaps that's as much a reflection of the distance back in time to my boyhood.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Plethora of geometry
Posted on 16 April 2012

Angles seemingly run everywhere in this view from Wellington's Civic Square.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Rising above
Posted on 15 April 2012

Galu Taufale is lifted high to secure lineout ball for Poneke late in the Swindale Shield match against Norths at Kilbirnie Park yesterday - won by Norths 22-16.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Fine figures
Posted on 14 April 2012

Seen yesterday in the upper floor windows of the former James Smith building in Cuba Street.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Pure green
Posted on 13 April 2012

It did my heart good today to see that the two lawns outside the Wellington City Gallery have been newly designated as nuclear free. This appears to have occurred just this morning as the paint was still wet.

I'm sure the parents of these children also took comfort in knowing that their youngsters were not being exposed to nasty radiation as they frolicked carefree on the lush and freshly mown grass.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Behind the shed
Posted on 12 April 2012

These old car wheels haven't seen active service for many a long year.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Numbers game
Posted on 10 April 2012

An adjustment is made to the scoreboard on the final morning of the South Africa Proteas vs. New Zealand Back Caps cricket test match at the Basin Reserve last month.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Arrowtown to Augusta
Posted on 8 April 2012

Since I captured this image at the New Zealand Open at The Hills in 2010, Keegan Bradley (USA) has gone on to win the 2011 US PGA , has a current official world ranking of 19, and finished 27th equal in the 2012 US Masters today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Lurking within
Posted on 8 April 2012

Curious inhabitants in the newspaper slot of a local letterbox.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Open to view
Posted on 7 April 2012

An Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300 was a popular static exhibit for inspection at the RNZAF 75th anniversary air show last weekend.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Louis
Posted on 6 April 2012

Local soul artist Louis Baker in his recent appearance at Bodega - essentially, straight out of the camera without colour adjustment.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Into the wild blue yonder
Posted on 5 April 2012

Three of the five members of the "Roaring Forties" Harvard aerobatic display team soar upwards during the team's routine at the RNZAF 75th anniversary air show at Ohakea last Saturday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Life's passing parade
Posted on 4 April 2012

In Cuba Street today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Parked up
Posted on 3 April 2012

At The Pointon Collection vintage motor vehicle and 'automobilia' museum near Masterton.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Little and large
Posted on 2 April 2012

A Vought Corsair FG-1D at Saturday's RNZAF 75th anniversary air show at Ohakea taxis in from its flying display, dwarfed by the giant USAF C-17 Globemaster III.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Fogging up
Posted on 1 April 2012

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornet performing a high speed solo display at yesterday's RNZAF 75th anniversary air show at Ohakea.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Yakobatics
Posted on 31 March 2012

A Yak formation flying group performing at today's RNZAF 75th anniversary air show at Ohakea.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Revival
Posted on 30 March 2012

Following Sir Peter Jackson's purchase of the Star of the Sea Chapel and Stella Maris Retreat Centre on Seatoun Heights, the evidence that he is committed to protecting and preserving the historic chapel is clear for all to see today.

After completion of the present upgrading to meet the current earthquake code, Sir Peter has stated he intends to use the site as a small facility for offices, film editing and computer effects production.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Asian influence
Posted on 29 March 2012

The former Chinese Mission Hall in Frederick Street, built in 1905 and now standing in splendid isolation with all buildings around it having been demolished, has been adorned with some artistic graffiti facing Taranaki Street.

© 2012 Ross Collins

The old and the new
Posted on 28 March 2012

I seldom undertake any but limited post-processing of my images, but this view captured yesterday outside the specialist Citroen service firm, Adlam's European in upper Taranaki Street, seemed to lend itself to a little more interpretation of the scene then normal.

© 2012 Ross Collins

To the fence
Posted on 27 March 2012

South Africa's AB de Villiers appears to have picked out the photographer as he drives Daniel Vettori to the boundary on the last morning of the third and final test of the Proteas vs. Black Caps series in Wellington today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Rumbling
Posted on 26 March 2012

Dane Rumble performing a high volume, high energy set with his band at the Westpac Stadium yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

With a little bit of soul
Posted on 25 March 2012

Wellington soul singer-songwriter Louis Baker was in full voice opening for the Thomas Oliver Band at Bodega last night.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Baby, I'll play
Posted on 24 March 2012

Thomas Oliver fronting his Thomas Oliver Band in front of a packed and enthusiastic house at Bodega in Wellington tonight.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Getting rrrready for rrrrumble
Posted on 23 March 2012

Rock notable, Dane Rumble, was wearing the obligatory dark glasses and sporting his trademark bouffant at a promotional appearance at Midland Park in central Wellington today, ahead of Sunday's Wellington Phoenix vs. Central Coast Mariners A-League football match.

Rumble and his band will present a one-hour set before match kick-off and perform the single from his next album for the first time at half time. Phoenix captain, Andrew Durante, is seen at left.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Slippery slope
Posted on 22 March 2012

Early morning light on dual children's slides at the playground at Churchill Park, Seatoun.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Still waiting
Posted on 21 March 2012

Five years after the opening of the Karo Drive inner city bypass in Wellington, and after being moved aside at great expense to enable its preservation and restoration, this historic former printers' building still lies in a derelict condition.

It continues to be a target for crude graffiti without any artistic merit, and is a visual offence to people travelling in the thousands of vehicles that pass each day. There's nothing "absolutely positive" about this - it's nothing less than a civic disgrace.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Stare down
Posted on 19 March 2012

Wall carvings and tukutuku panels (flax weavings) in the Te Tumu Herenga Waka meeting house, on the Te Herenga Waka Marae at Victoria University of Wellington.

© 2012 Ross Collins

176924
Posted on 20 March 2012

Yacht trailers at Worser Bay.

© 2012 Ross Collins

At the centre
Posted on 18 March 2012

Another from my recent Melbourne trip, captured at the Finders Street Station.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Chilling out
Posted on 17 March 2012

In the morning sunshine near Queens Wharf.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In the fleet
Posted on 16 March 2012

Two-handed yacht racing downwind at Worser Bay, including Sunburst class yachts.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Time for a cuppa
Posted on 15 March 2012

This street cleaner has come to work with his own hot drink in a thermos flask which he was pausing to enjoy in upper Featherston Street yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Sea cruise
Posted on 14 March 2012

An excited school group was departing Wellington's Queens Wharf on the harbour ferry as I was passing this morning.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Apprehension
Posted on 13 March 2012

Or just caution being exercised at the prospect of a chilly dip near Seatoun wharf.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Launching
Posted on 12 March 2012

12 Foot Skiff Class yachts set off for racing at Worser Bay on Saturday afternoon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Citing Matthew
Posted on 11 March 2012

In St Aidan's Anglican Church in the Wellington suburb of Miramar, this set of stained glass windows includes a paraphrase of the biblical quotation from Matthew 19:14 "but Jesus said, suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

© 2012 Ross Collins

Heavy lifter
Posted on 10 March 2012

An engine of a Qantas A380 aircraft parked at Melbourne International Airport at Tullamarine earlier this week, as a Virgin Australia B737 (B737-8FE?) in old Virgin Blue livery moves along a taxiway.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Movement
Posted on 9 March 2012

In Swanston Street, Melbourne.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Their majesties
Posted on 8 March 2012

The Royal Tram, seen in Melbourne earlier this week.

© 2012 Ross Collins

My choice
Posted on 7 March 2012

Yellow was the colour of choice in Lonsdale Street, Melbourne yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Standing room only
Posted on 6 March 2012

The collection of around eight people at Ferguson Pier watching the arrival of the Queen Mary 2 at Melbourne early yesterday became a crowd of about 80 when it departed for Sydney last night.

© 2012 Ross Collins

S-l-o-w-l-y back
Posted on 5 March 2012

The Queen Mary 2 reverses gently into her berth at the Port of Melbourne at first light this morning, unaided by tugs, as a hot air balloon fires its burner beyond.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Walking the dog
Posted on 4 March 2012

While I was photographing this interesting old building in Williamstown, Victoria, Australia today, these two approached and I managed to get a single exposure away!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Out of the mist
Posted on 1 March 2012

Like yesterday's, this image added to my online portfolio today, was also captured in 2009 just a little west of the small settlement of Derwent Bridge in Tasmania, when the scene appeared out of misty rain as I was driving across the middle of the island between Queenstown and Hobart.

© 2012 Ross Collins

At the back of the shed
Posted on 29 February 2012

Another image retrieved from my archives and reprocessed for inclusion in my online portfolio, this was captured in 2009 at Morrison's Mill in Stahan, a port town on the west coast of Tasmania.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Big, monochrome apple
Posted on 28 February 2012

I captured this image of Manhattan from the Empire State Building in 2005, but undertook this new treatment of it today for inclusion in my new online portfolio.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Backing up
Posted on 27 February 2012

Local boy James Franklin is all defence to a ball from Lonwabo Tsotsobe as his Black Cap team mate Kane Williamson is already well down the wicket during the ODI between New Zealand and South Africa at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Those were the days
Posted on 26 February 2012

While working through my archives over the last couple of days to create a new online portfolio, I came across this quirky image captured in Stawell, Victoria, Australia a couple of years ago. I don't recall posting it in this blog before, but I can't bring myself to trawl through the nearly 1,400 images here to check!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Flying
Posted on 25 February 2012

South African fast bowler Morne Morkel is airborne as he follows through a delivery to Black Cap Kane Williamson, who has turned the ball to leg, during the first match in a three match one day international series between New Zealand and South Africa at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

On location at the supermarket
Posted on 24 February 2012

I noticed a film crew was setting up for shooting in the Seatoun village early this morning, continuing recent activity around the suburb believed to involve an upcoming new television series.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Anyone bring the barbie?
Posted on 23 February 2012

This quirky sign has appeared recently stencilled on a roadside power cabinet in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. It has the hallmarks of someone on a crusade, and suggests the same sign might have already popped up elsewhere, or is about to.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Pretty in pink
Posted on 22 February 2012

Driver Donna Thomson (at right) and navigator Jo Teki, both from Wanganui, in "Two a Breast" (that's their spelling, not my mistake) were the only all-woman crew at the recent UIM World Series Jetsprint Championships meeting at Tauherinikau.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Pibroch aplenty
Posted on 21 February 2012

Pipers in the Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band No. 1 perform in the march past at the 75th Wellington Hawkes Bay Centre Pipe Band Championships at Scots College on Saturday.

The band has been the New Zealand Grade One Champion band on seven occasions, most recently in 2008, but returns to the national championships in three weeks playing to a standard that suggests an eighth national title is a distinct possibility.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Taking soundings
Posted on 20 February 2012

The Royal New Zealand Navy's primary survey and acoustic research vessel, HMNZS Resolution, was berthed at Queen's Wharf yesterday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Scream machine
Posted on 19 February 2012

This ride was responsible for shrill screeching heard along much of the length of the Wellington waterfront today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Power nap
Posted on 18 February 2012

A young member of the Marton & Districts Pipe Band was recovering his energy between his band's "set" and "medley" performances in the Set and Medley competition at the 75th Wellington Hawkes Bay Centre Pipe Band Championships at Scots College this morning.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Rag doll
Posted on 17 February 2012

A costumed spectator at the 2012 IRB Rugby Sevens at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington recently.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Number 9
Posted on 16 February 2012

A resident's allocated parking space in Moncrief Street, Wellington.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Couldn't
Posted on 15 February 2012

Canadian driver Cory Johnson and his regular navigator Gary McNeil, competing in a borrowed boat at the recent UIM World Series Jetsprint Championships at Tauherinikau, jumped from the start in the first Superboat qualifying heat in fine style but soon spluttered to a stop and were eliminated for the day.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Hang a left, boss!
Posted on 14 February 2012

Navigator Hamish "Moosh" Riddell points the way to driver Shane Wood in "Outlaw Racing" in the Group A class at the UIM World Series Jetsprint Championships at Tauherinikau on Sunday.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Power on
Posted on 13 February 2012

In a further image from the UIM World Series Jetsprint Championships yesterday, Reg and Julie Smith from Taupo are firmly focused on the course ahead as they negotiate their Group A category boat "Glasspro" during the qualifying rounds.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Land ahoy!
Posted on 12 February 2012

There were thrills aplenty at the second day of the Featherston round of the UIM World Series Jetsprint Championships today, including this spectacular "off" by Australians Phonsy Mullan and navigator June Dyer in their Superboat class boat "Ramjet".

© 2012 Ross Collins

On their bikes
Posted on 11 February 2012

Members of the Cook Islands team warm down under the stand at the Wellington leg of the 2012 IRB Rugby Sevens at the Westpac Stadium last weekend.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Thanks for coming!
Posted on 10 February 2012

In a further image from the Wellington leg of the 2012 IRB Rugby Sevens at the Westpac Stadium last weekend, Cornal Hendriks (South Africa) shakes off Ciaran Hearn, the last line of Canadian defence, to run in a try during the teams' plate semi-final match.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Taking a ride
Posted on 9 February 2012

Built for the 1968 film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and now owned by Sir Peter Jackson, this elegant vehicle was raising funds for charity by giving rides at the recent Joyeax Noel WWI Air Show at the Hood Aerodrome in Masterton.

© 2012 Ross Collins

No parking

Posted on 8 February 2012

So what are those two cars doing there?

© 2012 Ross Collins

What's on?

Posted on 7 February 2012

What's happening in the basement?

© 2012 Ross Collins

Tough work
Posted on 6 February 2012

... but someone's got to do it. However, two hours later this spot along the Westpac Stadium concourse at the 2012 IRB Rugby Sevens was heaving with people.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Rising above the pain
Posted on 5 February 2012

This fellow gets my nomination for the best "fancy dress costume" at the 2012 IRB Rugby Sevens at the Westpac Stadium over the past two days. Of the more than 30,000 spectators each year, the number not in some bizarre costume can be counted on the fingers of one hand.

Me? I wore my Captain Hurricane mask!

© 2012 Ross Collins

Making contact
Posted on 4 February 2012

Mark Bokhoven (USA) attempts to fend off a strong tackle by Christian Lewis-Pratt (England) during pool play on the first day of the Wellington leg of the 2012 IRB Rugby Sevens at the Westpac Stadium yesterday. England trounced its opponent by 29-0.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Dropping in
Posted on 3 February 2012

Bravely ignoring the organiser's recommendation to wear a wet suit, an entrant in Sunday's "Capital Classic" round of the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series leaps off the wharf to join her fellow competitors for the start of the elite 3.3km event.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In a lather
Posted on 2 February 2012

The water sculpture "Albatross" by Tanya Ashken, which was erected in Frank Kitts Park in 1986, appeared to be suffering from a malfunctioning rinse cycle when I was passing to photograph the "Capital Classic" round of the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series on Sunday morning. The swimmers can be seen in the background, assembling on the far bank of the lagoon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Off on a journey
Posted on 1 February 2012

Cessna Citation, crewed by Conrad Colman and Adrian Kuttel, leads the fleet of five out of Wellington Harbour off Seatoun Beach on Sunday on the third leg of the Global Ocean Race 2011-2012. The fleet is now sailing across the Southern Ocean and will round Cape Horn before ending the leg at Punta del Este, Uruguay.

© 2012 Ross Collins

And that makes three
Posted on 31 January 2012

Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Clint Bolton is left sprawling on the ground and team mate Brendan Hamill can only throw out a foot in a desperate and unsuccessful attempt to prevent Wellington Phoenix striker Paul Ifill's second goal in Sunday's A-League match at Westpac Stadium.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Beside the sea
Posted on 30 January 2012

Walking around Oriental Bay during yesterday's ocean swimming, I noticed this large group of martial arts exponents performing exercises alongside, and in, the water of Wellington Harbour.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Bobbing
Posted on 29 January 2012

Some of the competitors in this morning's elite 3.3km event at the "Capital Classic" round of the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series await the starter's hooter in Wellington Harbour.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Managing waste
Posted on 28 January 2012

Can rubbish make art? A strongly graphical scene at a motor service business in Elizabeth Street, Wellington.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Batucada

Posted on 27 January 2012

A poster board in central Wellington.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Lighting the way
Posted on 26 January 2012

The Matiu/Somes Island lighthouse, looking towards the entrance to Wellington Harbour.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Touching down
Posted on 25 January 2012

A replica Albatros D.Va fighter aircraft returns from a flight in the early evening sunlight at Sunday's Joyeax Noel WWI Air Show at the Hood Aerodrome in Masterton. About 1,612 of the Albatros D.Va were buiit for use by the Luftstreitkräfte (Imperial German Air Service), together with about 900 of the predecessor D.V model.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Far from the madding crowd
Posted on 24 January 2012

A view from Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington Harbour looking towards Wellington city today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Making a show
Posted on 23 January 2012

A Fokker D. VII replica creates a dramatic smoke trail during the recent Joyeax Noel WWI Air Show at the Hood Aerodrome in Masterton.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Gun(g) ho!
Posted on 22 January 2012

The crew of this replica Royal Aircraft Factory (RAF) F.E. 2b day and night fighter bomber were enjoying the experience of demonstrating their aircraft to the appreciative crowd at yesterday's Joyeax Noel WWI Air Show at the Hood Aerodrome in Masterton.

The propeller of the F.E. 2b is mounted behind the cockpit and pushes the aircraft forward.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In defence of the empire
Posted on 21 January 2012

A lineup of vintage fighting aircraft at today's Joyeax Noel WWI Air Show at the Hood Aerodrome in Masterton.

© 2012 Ross Collins

RIP Blanket Man
Posted on 20 January 2012

A shrine has appeared in Courtenay Place out of respect for well-known homeless vagrant Ben Hana, aka Blanket Man, after his unexpected death last weekend. The wall of ANZ bank branch adjacent to the section of the street where he lived much of the time is now covered in messages and a display of memorabilia and tributes has built up on the pavement.

Blanket Man has been the subject of previous posts in this journal on 15 November 2010 and 22 October 2011, and is also seen in a post on 11 December 2011.

© 2012 Ross Collins

The art of play
Posted on 18 January 2012

A section of the children's playground at Churchill Park in the Wellington suburb of Seatoun.

© 2012 Ross Collins

The little pink sneakers
Posted on 17 January 2012

I first saw these tiny sneakers, apparently left behind by a child last night, when passing Seatoun beach at 6.00am this morning. They were still there when the Days Bay ferry was approaching the Seatoun Wharf to pick up city commuters at 8.25am.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Aground
Posted on 16 January 2012

One needs to look carefully to notice this former row boat on the side of the road in Breaker Bay, which has been set into the ground as a, now overgrown and unkempt, planter box.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Rough ride
Posted on 15 January 2012

The seat on this see-saw at our local children's playground is a little the worse for wear.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Old technology
Posted on 13 January 2012

This former printer's building on the Karo Drive inner city bypass through central Wellington has been left to decay since being moved aside from the new road at great expense to save it from destruction.

I previously posted an image of this building in this journal on 5 January 2009, when I noted that "restoration plans appear to have stalled" - and that was three years ago!

© 2012 Ross Collins

In flight
Posted on 12 January 2012

All Whites goalkeeper Mark Paston was throwing himself into his work at the Wellington Phoenix training session at Newtown Park today as he continued his quest to force his way back into the starting eleven, ahead of a difficult two week road trip to Australia starting tomorrow.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Another day, another port
Posted on 11 January 2012

The cruise liner "Celebrity Century" was clearing Wellington Harbour, bound for Akaroa, when I was shooting other scenes at Tarakena Bay around sundown last evening.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Hitting the water
Posted on 10 January 2012

In another image captured at Lyall Bay last night, a surfer was arriving to enter the water and provided the opportunity to obtain a silhouette against the setting sun.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Sunset surfing
Posted on 9 January 2012

There was a beautiful glow in the sky, and on the water, as the sun was setting at Lyall Bay this evening.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Portrait at an exhibition
Posted on 8 January 2012

I placed my camera on top of a glass cabinet with the shutter set on a 10 second delay at a photography exhibition at the Sargent Art Gallery in Wanganui a couple of years back, then quickly walked into the frame.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Life's a harbour
Posted on 6 January 2012

The view down a street lined with pohutukawa trees out onto Wellington Harbour from near my house on a recent Saturday afternoon.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Team work
Posted on 5 January 2012

In another shot from yesterday's A-League match at Westpac Stadium (and on the same theme as my recent post on 23 December), junior footballers drag the Hyundai sponsor's banner to the centre circle of the pitch at half time.

© 2012 Ross Collins

In vain
Posted on 4 January 2012

Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Tony Warner fails in his attempt to stop a penalty by Brett Emerton (Sydney FC) in today's A-League match at Westpac Stadium. Phoenix won the match by 4-2.

© 2012 Ross Collins

Back in bloom
Posted on 3 January 2012

Flowers of the native Pohutukawa tree are breaking out everywhere, maybe a week or two later than last year. These were photographed outside my house today.

© 2012 Ross Collins

On the phone
Posted on 31 December 2011

There were few people to be seen outside again today, here along the desolate Wellington Harbour waterfront at Oriental Bay.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Bleak as
Posted on 30 December 2011

Seatoun beach in Wellington was hosting one gull but wasn't attracting any bathers today.

© 2011 Ross Collins

No more
Posted on 29 December 2011

The news today that the historic Lyttelton Police Station will be demolished following serious damage sustained in the Christchurch earthquakes caused me to look back at this image of the building, which I captured in 2006.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Bed and breakfast
Posted on 27 December 2011

I looked twice when I noticed the commentary on modern life depicted by this unusual combination of human flotsam and jetsam lying beside a path while I was on a shoot today - then I captured this image.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Hanging on
Posted on 26 December 2011

Looking back through some images captured during the year turned up this from an England vs. Argentina match during pool play in the Wellington round of the IRB Rugby Sevens held at the Westpac Stadium in February.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Attitude

Posted on 25 December 2011

Making a statement.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Christmas Eve sun down
Posted on 24 December 2011

A view looking towards Picton in the South Island from near Houghton Bay on Wellington's south coast as sunset approached tonight.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Give us an "H"
Posted on 23 December 2011

Junior players, with Christmas-themed headwear, set up the sponsor's banner across the centre circle at half time in tonight's A-League football match at the Westpac Stadium between the Wellington Phoenix and the Newcastle Jets - won by the Phoenix 5-2 in their most impressive display of the season.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Low water
Posted on 22 December 2011

Colours and plant life revealed at low tide at Tarakena Bay on Wellington's south coast.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Top brass
Posted on 21 December 2011

A member of the Wellington Citadel band of the Salvation Army during the Commissioning Street March in Wellington earlier this month, which was the subject of another post in this journal on 10 December 2011.

© 2011 Ross Collins

In the schoolyard
Posted on 20 December 2011

This helicopter took advantage of a Seatoun school being out for the Christmas holidays this morning to use the playground for first touching down to attach a pickup strap and then depositing a gazebo roof (seen in the background) which it hoisted from the rear of a nearby property.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Alice
Posted on 19 December 2011

Impressive artwork on this thoroughly-decorated house truck seen in Miramar yesterday.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Dreads akimbo
Posted on 18 December 2011

Referee Jonathon Price is not well positioned to see visiting captain Nathan Cooksley using a dubious technique in an attempt to stop the progress of Louis Fenton as Team Wellington hosted YoungHeart Manawatu in round six of the ASB Premiership at David Farrington Park in Miramar this afternoon.

Team Wellington won the match, unconvincingly, by 2-0.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Booking office
Posted on 17 December 2011

I have been doing a little work today on this image captured at the magnificent railway station in Albury, New South Wales, on the Victoria state border.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Top spot

Posted on 15 December 2011

Gets my vote as the best picture house in Wellington!

© 2011 Ross Collins

At low water
Posted on 14 December 2011

An image from a favourite photo stomping ground of mine at Tarakena Bay, during low tide on Wellington's south coast today.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Little boxes
Posted on 13 December 2011

An archetypal view of a section of the inner-city Wellington suburb of Mt Victoria, photographed today.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Synchronicity
Posted on 12 December 2011

Striker Chris Greenacre (Wellington Phoenix) and defender Josh Mitchell (Perth Glory, with pronounced oral appendage) are in step as they chase the ball during the A-League match at the Westpac Stadium on Saturday, won by the Phoenix 1-0.

© 2011 Ross Collins

On the street
Posted on 11 December 2011

Courtenay Street in Wellington yesterday, in use for contrasting recreational purposes, and with no sign of vehicular traffic.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Musical manoeuvres
Posted on 10 December 2011

Trombonists of the Wellington Citadel band of the Salvation Army meet opposing traffic in Taranaki Street as the band takes part in the Army's Commissioning Street March in Wellington this afternoon.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Shop and ride
Posted on 9 December 2011

This bus shelter in Aro Valley has received an artistic facelift recently.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Signs of spring

Posted on 8 December 2011

Around Wellington's south coast recently.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Last gasp
Posted on 7 December 2011

This block of shops over the road from the Basin Reserve, and the subject of a previous post on 16 November, has been screened off with a wire mesh fence since this image was captured but the final demolition seems to have stalled.

© 2011 Ross Collins

And then there were three (again)
Posted on 5 December 2011

This distinctive sculpture at a house at Palmer Head made the news earlier in the year when someone wrenched two of dolphins off the structure, presumably planning to melt them down for scrap. Fortunately, the Police located the missing pieces a few months later and the sculpture was restored to its former glory.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Sunset voyage
Posted on 4 December 2011

An inter-island ferry sets out across Cook Strait en route to Picton.

© 2011 Ross Collins

A place in the sun

Posted on 3 December 2011

At Breaker Bay.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Mum, Dad and the kids
Posted on 2 December 2011

A family group on the lower reaches of the Hutt River last weekend.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Second time around
Posted on 1 December 2011

This door on a boat shed at the Hikoikoi Reserve in Petone appears to have seen service in a previous life.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Dropping in
Posted on 30 November 2011

The Westpac rescue helicopter made a brief touchdown on the pitch at Westpac Stadium before Sunday's Wellington Phoenix vs. Sydney FC A-League football match as part of a fundraising initiative.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Marked man
Posted on 29 November 2011

This distinctly tattooed runner was photographed when he passed me at Palmer Head around Wellington's south coast during the weekend.

© 2011 Ross Collins

At full stretch
Posted on 28 November 2011

Wellington Phoenix's Paul Ifill, in his first starting match after a long injury layoff, is challenged by Pascal Bosschaart (Sydney FC) as he crosses the ball in yesterday's A-League match at Westpac Stadium. The Phoenix won by 2-1, with Ifill scoring his team's first goal after only seven minutes.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Bad feather day
Posted on 27 November 2011

This white-faced heron, photographed near the mouth of the Hutt River at the Hikoikoi Reserve this afternoon, is caught in a gust of wind from behind that disturbs its usually perfectly-arranged tail feathers.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Silly season
Posted on 26 November 2011

A counter set up outside my local polling booth for today's general election was, curiously, occupied by stuffed animals in plastic bags. This could have been causing confusion that these were not toys for sale to raise funds for St Christopher's Church, but the candidates, thoroughly worn out by the most work many will do in the next three years.

© 2011 Ross Collins

A knight's lights
Posted on 25 November 2011

As in previous Christmas seasons in recent years, Sir Peter Jackson has recently lit up a giant pine tree at his residence at Karaka Bay in Wellington's eastern suburbs.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Still life
Posted on 24 November 2011

The 2002 Paul Gribble sculpture "Fruits of the Garden" at Frank Kitts Park along the Wellington waterfront.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Easing the strain
Posted on 23 November 2011

This duck was enjoying a snooze in a sunny and sheltered corner at Queens Wharf yesterday.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Tax deductible
Posted on 22 November 2011

The composition and demeanour of the passengers on this launch, seen motoring away from Queen's Wharf on Wellington Harbour late this morning, suggest a long business lunch might be the order of the day.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Rocks

Posted on 20 November 2011

Seen at Tarakena Bay on Wellington's south coast.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Morning constitutional
Posted on 19 November 2011

I photographed this fellow earlier in the year, as he was emerging from the water at Waiake Beach in Torbay, Auckland just after daylight. If he seems familiar, that may be because he was previously the subject of my post on 17 April.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Cottages
Posted on 18 November 2011

This cute pair of modern cottages is on Wallace Street in Wellington.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Sweet light
Posted on 17 November 2011

Along Wellington's south coast at sunset last night, looking west from Tarakena Bay.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Out the back
Posted on 16 November 2011

From a health and safety point of view, the planned demolition of this condemned building within the next week or so is a very good thing. However, given its potential as a photography subject, a little more notice would have been welcome. So, faced with a case of 'buy now while stocks last', I did just that today.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Run rabbit, run!
Posted on 15 November 2011

In another of what may be turning into a series on graffiti murals with animal themes, I saw this procession of beasts today on the Tattoo Apartments building in Wigan Street. It was a commissioned work by mural artist Jon Drypnz.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Smooth waters
Posted on 14 November 2011

Yesterday at the Seatoun wharf in Wellington, with blurring of the water (and some people!).

© 2011 Ross Collins

Spare ribs
Posted on 13 November 2011

What this graffiti art animal in Wallace Street, in the inner Wellington suburb of Mt Cook is representing, is not apparent to me!

© 2011 Ross Collins

Gray day

Posted on 12 November 2011

Today.

© 2011 Ross Collins

X marks the spots
Posted on 11 November 2011

I saw these art deco wall light fittings today in the former Dominion Museum building, now Block 10 on the Wellington campus of Massey University. This building was also the subject of a previous posting in this journal on 6 September.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Critical analysis
Posted on 9 November 2011

Another view at last night's opening of the Wellington Photographic Society's Annual Print Exhibition at the St James Theatre (with an image of mine in the foreground).

© 2011 Ross Collins

Pictures at an exhibition
Posted on 8 November 2011

Visitors at tonight's opening of the Wellington Photographic Society's Annual Print Exhibition at the St James Theatre munch on nibbles as they get close-up to an abstract image.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Recycled
Posted on 7 November 2011

My attention was drawn recently to several posts used to delineate the boundary of a parking area near Houghton Bay along Wellington's south coast which have old brackets, rings and ropes attached, as shown in this image.

These posts have obviously had some other purpose in the past, which I imagine might have been as part of a wharf with the hardware used for attaching vessels. Why these accoutrements have not been removed, I don't know, but they provide an interesting historical link of some kind.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Preservation
Posted on 6 November 2011

I can only surmise that the unusual sight of a child's flotation ring on a competitor's trundler at the New Zealand Women's Masters golf tournament at the Shandon Golf Club in Lower Hutt today was a consequence of the reported immersion of a trundler in the Hutt River during an earlier round of the event.

© 2011 Ross Collins

On the ball
Posted on 5 November 2011

I was surprised that the announcement this week that Spanish tennis player Fernando Verdasco had been signed to appear in this summer's Heineken Open generated so little news interest. In top form, he is a serious competitor at the highest level and is great to watch in action.

From my archives I found this image captured during a match against Roger Federer at the 2009 AAMI Classic at Kooyong in Melbourne.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Bills
Posted on 4 November 2011

A wall of movie posters at the Paramount Theatre in Wellington.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Rock 'n roll
Posted on 3 November 2011

The skipper of the Wellington Harbour ferry struggles to berth his vessel at the Seatoun wharf in a howling northerly yesterday afternoon.

A group of Scots College schoolboys, huddled on the wharf waiting for their return transport to Eastbourne, were quickly on board and below deck immediately the gangway was in place.

© 2011 Ross Collins

On the scrounge
Posted on 2 November 2011

Why do the increasing number of beggars setting up on our streets think that by taking on a comatose appearance they will enhance their prospects? The note propped up in front of this pathetic creep in Courtenay Place said he needed money '"to get to Auckland four (sic) work" - yeah right!

© 2011 Ross Collins

Blocking manoeuvre
Posted on 1 November 2011

The progress of Wellington Phoenix striker Chris Greenacre is brought to an effective stop on Sunday by a stomp on his foot by Melbourne Victory captain Adrian Leijer.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Siggy's fan club
Posted on 31 October 2011

A father and son support team for Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund seen at the Westpac Stadium last evening. Unfortunately, after putting in his customary sterling effort for 66 minutes, their hero was red carded out of the game.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Beaten
Posted on 30 October 2011

Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson watches as his shot on goal bends around the outstretched arms of Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Tony Warner during this evening's A-League match at Westpac Stadium in Wellington. Phoenix defenders Ben Sigmund (nearest camera) and captain Andrew Durante are also interested spectators.

This goal was the Victory's first for the season, and they went on to win, also for the first time this season, by 2-1.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Demure
Posted on 29 October 2011

A pelican at the Melbourne Zoo, photographed earlier this month.

© 2011 Ross Collins

In the wires
Posted on 28 October 2011

Some of the paper ribbon shot into the air during this week's RWC victory parade that got caught in Wellington's overhead trolley bus wires.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Eyes ... front!
Posted on 27 October 2011

The Central Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force leads the RWC victory parade through the crowds in Lambton Quay yesterday.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Soaking it up
Posted on 26 October 2011

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw looks out on the huge crowd lining Lambton Quay during a Rugby World Cup victory parade in Wellington today.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Letting rip
Posted on 25 October 2011

In yesterday's ASB Premiership match at David Farrington Park in Wellington, Tristian Prattley (Otago United) arrives too late to obstruct a shot towards goal by Sam Mason-Smith (Team Wellington).

© 2011 Ross Collins

Under attack
Posted on 24 October 2011

Otago United goalkeeper Peter Evans and fellow defender Sam Mepham are under pressure to repel an attack on their goal by Team Wellington's Tyson Holmes during their ASB Premiership fixture at David Farrington Park in Wellington yesterday.

After racing to an early 2-0 lead, Otago United was reduced to ten men by a sending-off in the second half with the score tied, but defended resolutely to secure a hard-fought away 2-2 draw.

© 2011 Ross Collins

All in readiness
Posted on 23 October 2011

The Breaker Bay Hall in Wellington's eastern suburbs is ready to hold a community showing of the TV coverage of tonight's Rugby World Cup final match between New Zealand and France that will determine the holder of the Webb Ellis Cup for the next four years.

© 2011 Ross Collins

A man and his blanket
Posted on 22 October 2011

A local identity to some, a pest and a blight on Courtenay Place to others, Ben Hana, aka "Blanket Man", was sunning himself, as it is his want to do, when I was in the area recently.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Who the #$*& is Alice?
Posted on 21 October 2011

This banner at the Hummingbird Restaurant/Bar in Courtenay Place pokes fun at the trophy for the Rugby World Cup tournament, the Webb Ellis Cup, which will go to the winner of Sunday's final between New Zealand and France. The installation of Rugby World Cup-inspired sculptures is by Sue Lund.

© 2011 Ross Collins

We are the champions!
Posted on 20 October 2011

Prior to the Wellington Phoenix vs. Newcastle Jets A-League match, children's teams from schools and clubs around the district paraded around the Westpac Stadium. Unlike any of the others, this team from the Western Suburbs club was also proudly displaying the trophy they had won this season.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Out of the shadows
Posted on 19 October 2011

In another image from Sunday's Wellington Phoenix vs. Newcastle Jets A-League match in Wellington, visiting goalkeeper Ben Kennedy defends a shot on his goal late in the match as late afternoon shadows encroach across the ground.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Arm in arm
Posted on 18 October 2011

Wellington Phoenix skipper Andrew Durante accepts the hand offered by Ali Abbas (Newcastle Jets) during Sunday's A-League match in Wellington, won by the Phoenix by 2-0.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Evoking days of Somerset Maugham
Posted on 17 October 2011

These two carved figures grace the entrance of a new bar in town, the Bangalore Polo Club. The entry of a gentleman of Asian extraction into the frame, adding to the eastern feel of this shot, was a simply a matter of chance, but then glancing in the same direction as the figures are looking was pure serendipity!

© 2011 Ross Collins

Plan B
Posted on 16 October 2011

This banner on a building looking down Wellington's Courtenay Place bar and restaurant district offers a strategy if the New Zealand All Blacks do not beat Australia in their semi-final in Auckland tonight and then France in the final next week - celebrate like the last and only time New Zealand previously won the Rugby World Cup, 24 long years ago.

© 2011 Ross Collins

From the shore
Posted on 15 October 2011

Looking out over Island Bay to Taputeranga Island on Wellington's south coast during a brief period of sunshine today.

© 2011 Ross Collins

No dumping
Posted on 14 October 2011

... unless you are dumping shopping bags collected in the up-market Collins Street retail precinct into the boot of your car!

© 2011 Ross Collins

Street shoot
Posted on 13 October 2011

A young couple photographing some of the copious display of graffiti in Hoosier Lane, Melbourne.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Hanging out at DJ's
Posted on 12 October 2011

In the Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne, shot from the doorway of the blokes' store looking across to the Sheilas'.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Proboscis minimus australis
Posted on 11 October 2011

Apparently a new species within the Elephantinae family, locally referred to as an Elfin T5 Clubman, spotted in Williamstown near Melbourne recently.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Life can be a squeeze
Posted on 10 October 2011

Seemingly defying the fixed vertical dimension of the available space.

© 2011 Ross Collins

The more it changes ...
Posted on 9 October 2011

... the more the coverage of the graffiti in the Hoosier Lane area of central Melbourne (in this case, in Rutledge Lane) stays the same.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Chandlery en masse
Posted on 8 October 2011

Late afternoon sun casts a golden glow on yachts moored at the Ferguson Street Pier in Williamstown, Melbourne.

© 2011 Ross Collins

On edge
Posted on 7 October 2011

I have seen this street acrobat drawing crowds at various points around the Melbourne CBD this week. Here he is performing his act in Federation Square.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Going up
Posted on 6 October 2011

A high rise building site in Melbourne captured earlier this week.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Lunch break, but not for all
Posted on 5 October 2011

Seen in Flinders Lane in central Melbourne today.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Long legs

Posted on 4 October 2011

A view of the giraffe enclosure at the Melbourne Zoo today.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Wattlebird
Posted on 3 October 2011

A native of Australia, this fellow settled near me in Melbourne today, so I shot 'em! It was later that I noticed the happy coincidence of the colour match between its wattle (the appendage hanging from the neck) and the flaking paint on the building.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Go Cats!
Posted on 2 October 2011

...and they did, to win the AFL final yesterday. This papered-over shop window in the Melbourne suburb of Williamstown had left space to include a double page spread poster from a city newspaper.

© 2011 Ross Collins

At the marina
Posted on 1 October 2011

Yachts return to Chaffers Marina after a day's sailing on Wellington Harbour.

© 2011 Ross Collins

On a journey
Posted on 30 September 2011

While photographing the Royal New Zealand Navy vessels on Wellington Harbour yesterday, I spotted the Eastbourne ferry setting out across the harbour in perfectly calm conditions. This image is one of several I was able to quickly grab while all other distractions were outside the frame.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Veiled
Posted on 29 September 2011

The Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (and specifically its complement of officers and ratings lining the decks) was flooded with smoke from a 21-gun salute fired on the Navy's other frigate, HMNZS Te Mana, on arrival in the inner Wellington Harbour this morning. It carries a Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopter seen at the stern.

Along with nearly every other ship in the RNZN fleet, the vessels are in the city for the next few days as part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Royal New Zealand Navy separate from the Royal Navy.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Fit for a king
Posted on 28 September 2011

I spotted this Boeing Business Jet at Wellington International Airport yesterday, shortly after it had arrived and while what seemed like mainly personal baggage and file cases were being unloaded. Although it carries no distinctive livery or signage, a little research revealed it is a B737-7Z5 from the fleet of Royal Jet, "an award-winning international luxury flight services provider headquartered in Abu Dhabi".

As the aircraft was parked at the Royal New Zealand Air Force terminal, I presume it was carrying a diplomatic visitor or party, but I know not whom.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Signs of spring
Posted on 27 September 2011

When I went out to photograph the blossom covering our flowering cherry tree this morning, I found it was attracting the attention of masses of monarch butterflies - which I don't recall seeing so early in the season in previous years.

© 2011 Ross Collins

The art of plumbing
Posted on 26 September 2011

Little imagination is required to deduce the facilities to be found on the other side of this wall at the Avalon Rugby Football Club rooms at Fraser Park in Lower Hutt.

The plumbing installation was so ugly I just had to photograph it.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Stepping out
Posted on 25 September 2011

No, not Joe Jackson, but a rampaging Hayden Lewis of the Wellington Orcas attempting to escape the tackle of Sione Feao (Counties Manukau Stingrays) in yesterday's Albert Baskerville Trophy round 5 rugby league clash at Fraser Park in Lower Hutt. The visiting Stingrays won the match 30 - 18.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Mixing it with the big boys
Posted on 24 September 2011

Around Chaffers Marina in the inner Wellington Harbour.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Preaching to the converted
Posted on 23 September 2011

High energy entertainer Sam Manzanza and his Happy Jungle Band brought driving Afro fusion beats to a large and appreciative audience at Wellington's Civic Square last Saturday. The occasion was a South Africa-themed day held in conjunction with the Rugby World Cup.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Secure
Posted on 22 September 2011

These bikes parked up in Wellington's Wakefield Street aren't going anywhere soon.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Surrealistic coast
Posted on 21 September 2011

Tarakena Bay on Wellington's south coast today - with a (largely in-camera) dreamy feel.

© 2011 Ross Collins

On the pavement
Posted on 20 September 2011

International visitors to the Rugby World Cup and locals alike view photographs of rugby matches and players from days gone by along the Wellington Harbour waterfront on Saturday afternoon.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Happy in bronze
Posted on 19 September 2011

This cheerful fellow was posing in Wellington's Civic Square on Saturday as a rugby-themed sculpture. He was very popular being photographed with many Rugby World Cup visitors to the city, but was quite happy to model for me unaccompanied.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Can't beat it on a good day
Posted on 18 September 2011

While driving around Evans Bay yesterday, I noticed this backwater caused by an extremely low tide and also a pair of fishermen trying their luck. The clouds on the horizon were also interesting, so there was no way I could resist the temptation to stop and get my camera gear out of the boot.

Forty minutes later I'd captured some (to me) pleasing images, including this.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Boys will be boys
Posted on 17 September 2011

One of many groups of South Africans in town at present for the Rugby World Cup were in high spirits while holding court on the front porch of their accomodation in inner Wellington today, ahead of the Springboks match tonight against Fiji.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Pews
Posted on 16 September 2011

St David's Presbyterian Church in Petone - the town's first church, dating from 1886, and which these days has distinctly multicultural congregation including a large number of polynesian people.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Only as many as you need
Posted on 15 September 2011

At this opportunity shop in Petone it's a case of "I'll take one left and one right, thank you"!

© 2011 Ross Collins

It's dirty work
Posted on 14 September 2011

Bank of New Zealand mobile mortgage managers really get down and dirty, looking at the state of this vehicle. Maybe the focus is now on rural rather than urban business!

© 2011 Ross Collins

Happy in his work
Posted on 13 September 2011

Schalk Burger smiles as he trains with his Springbok rugby team mates in Wellington this morning. Former South African international Percy Montgomery, now a member of the team's support staff, shares in the amusement as Ruan Pienaar starts a run through an agility routine.

South Africa meets Fiji in the second match for both teams in the Rugby World Cup 2011 this weekend.

© 2011 Ross Collins

But is it art?
Posted on 12 September 2011

A passerby appears bemused by the strips of colour daubed on this wall in Petone.

© 2011 Ross Collins

A blooming good trip
Posted on 11 September 2011

The annual "Daffodil Express", hauled by Steam Incorporated's JA-class locomotive 1271 built in Dunedin in 1956, is seen crossing the Hutt River at Ava this morning en route to the Wairarapa for a day's excursion to the displays of spring daffodils

© 2011 Ross Collins

Little and large
Posted on 8 September 2011

A tiny silver fern pennant flies on the stern of a yacht moored at the Evans Bay marina, while the "All Blacks" lettering looks down from the hillside at the Miramar cutting - both in support of New Zealand's participation (and hosting) of the Rugby World Cup which commences tomorrow.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Long, lonely hours
Posted on 6 September 2011

A single bicycle parked at the rear of the former Dominion Museum building (completed in 1936), now Block 10 (the "Museum Building") of Massey University's Wellington campus, last Sunday afternoon.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Making a statement
Posted on 5 September 2011

This expression of support for the New Zealand team at the Rugby World Cup appeared overnight, clearly visible to aircraft in the last moments of approach to Wellington International Airport from the north.

After the tournament, the lettering will be changed to a word still to be determined. "Wellywood" (which has the same number of letters) is a controversial option, notwithstanding the protestations and threatened legal action by a local authority somewhere in California.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Soft and cuddly
Posted on 4 September 2011

Seen at one of the collection points around the city yesterday receiving donations of soft toys for distribution to children who have been subjected to domestic violence or abuse.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Door to the marae
Posted on 3 September 2011

Dappled light was falling across the front of the Taraika Marae at the Wellington High School this afternoon.

© 2011 Ross Collins

On the rack
Posted on 2 September 2011

Seen patiently waiting for his owner at the Open Day at the new ASB Indoor Community Sports Centre last Sunday.

© 2011 Ross Collins

Prime beef
Posted on 1 September 2011

The front row of the Mana College 1st XV scrum (numbers 1, 2 and 3), seen here with the team's (more modestly proportioned) No. 8 during a break in play at Rongotai College last weekend, are seriously solid fellows!

© 2011 Ross Collins