Photo Blog

On a mission

Posted on 23 April 2021 The Youth With a Mission hospital ship 'YWAM Koha' was transferring from Glasgow Wharf to Queens Wharf yesterday morning where it will be open to the public and seeking public donations over the next few days to fund its planned work in the Pacific. The vessel had arrived in Wellington earlier than expected after it had to depart from its previous stop, Whanganui, when impending southerly swells threatened its safety there. © 2021 Ross Collins

Heavy weekend traffic

Posted on 22 April 2021 As the tanker 'Silver Carolyn' was approaching Wellington Harbour on Sunday after travelling from Lyttelton inexplicably after departing only two days previously, it was passing the first of a large number of yachts also tacking their way into and up the harbour as the Police boat 'Lady Elizabeth IV' was heading out around the South Coast. © 2021 Ross Collins

Patrol vessel doubles as tug

Posted on 21 April 2021 While I was photographing another maritime subject of interest on Monday, I noticed that the Seaworks support and patrol vessel 'MV Seapatroller', usually employed in checking the Cook Strait electricity cable, was struggling to drag a largely submerged object as it entered Wellington Harbour. On closer inspection, I could see the top of the bridge of a launch on the end of the tow line. © 2021 Ross Collins

More practice will make perfect

Posted on 20 April 2021 The flight crew bringing the first quarantine-free international flight into Wellington yesterday (from Sydney) was landing the starboard wheels well before the port side touched down - running the risk that the bubble buster might also be a tyre buster. © 2021 Ross Collins

No show

Posted on 19 April 2021 Twice recently I have climbed these well-worn stairs in a heritage building in downtown Wellington intending to see an exhibition by one of New Zealand's foremost photographers. However, on both occasions the gallery on the first floor had not opened within 30 minutes of the advertised opening time. So I made this image instead. © 2021 Ross Collins

Accidental abstract

Posted on 18 April 2021 I noticed an interesting abstract design on the plastic curtain sheltering downtown cafe patrons. On closer inspection, I discovered it was just a reflection from the opposite streetscape. © 2021 Ross Collins

Classy waistcoat

Posted on 17 April 2021 As I perched myself on a rickety jetty at Evans Bay to shoot some of the images of the tanker 'Silver Carolyn' arriving at Burnham Wharf on Thursday, I disturbed this pied shag who didn't leave but just moved to a safer distance. After about 15 minutes or so, s/he turned to display the magnificent plumage on his/her front. © 2021 Ross Collins

In a spin

Posted on 16 April 2021 The Centreport tug 'Tiaki' was pushing at the bow while 'Tapuhi' (out of frame) was pulling on the stern to assist the Korean-owned Shell tanker 'Silver Carolyn' to turn through 180 degrees as it approached Burnham Wharf in Evans Bay after transferring from the Seaview Wharf at Point Howard yesterday. © 2021 Ross Collins

In flight

Posted on 15 April 2021 Along with fellow Phoenix Foundation original Samuel Flynn Scott, Luke Buda was fronting a performance by the group at the Newtown Festival Street Fair on Sunday. © 2021 Ross Collins

Back in town

Posted on 14 April 2021 Originally in New Zealand before the Covid lockdowns to perform at Womad 2020, Mireya Ramos guested with Odessa at the recent CubaDupa Festival before heading north to appear at the Waiheke Jazz Festival and other gigs. But she was back on stage with Odessa again at the Newtown Fair on Sunday where I photographed in full vocal. © 2021 Ross Collins

Rusty ruckus

Posted on 13 April 2021 Stewart Pedley was leading Corrosive Moses, a three-piece garage band which, by my estimation, emitted the loudest performance per person of any group I heard at the Newtown Festival on Sunday. But make no mistake - these guys can play and are seriously good! © 2021 Ross Collins

On the up and up

Posted on 12 April 2021 Since I first photographed and took note of Amba Holly (aka Amba Te Ngoungou) at CubaDupa in 2016, the Newtown-local has won the Waiata Māori Music Award for Best Female Solo Artist on three occasions, and also has had a win in the Best Songwriter category. Little surprise, then, that she drew a large crowd to her performance at the Newtown Festival Street Fair yesterday. © 2021 Ross Collins

Say 'yes' to this dress?

Posted on 11 April 2021 I'm unsure if the clothes peg is a standard design element or an optional extra on one of the items I saw on display through a first floor window at a city bridal gown boutique. © 2021 Ross Collins

Leaving town

Posted on 10 April 2021 The Swedish vehicles carrier 'Turandot' was heading out of Wellington Harbour bound for Lyttelton this week. © 2021 Ross Collins

Following the leaders

Posted on 9 April 2021 This was the head of a large school of dolphins in a line extending over several hundred metres which was charging up Wellington Harbour yesterday morning. Based on my analysis of my photographs, I estimate the school comprised around 125 dolphins. © 2921 Ross Collins