The People behind the competition
This competition would not be possible without the help and support of our sponsors and partners. Discover who are the people behind these organisations, what they love about Motueka and what they hope The People of Motueka competition will capture.
Steve Hussey, Steve Hussey Photography
Tell us a little about yourself and your business or organisation. What do you do and where are you based?
“I am a commercial photographer based in Nelson but I travel around the Top of the South Island continually and often throughout the rest of Aotearoa. I shoot stills, video and drone work for a large number of organisations and events throughout the country. My job is also my passion so I think I am pretty lucky to do what I do.”
What does the word "community" mean to you, and how does your business/organisation live that out day to day?
“Community is all about being there for each other to celebrate life's victories or commiserate and support each other in our losses and times of struggle. It should be practical and built on inclusivity, empathy and kindness. As a family and small business, we do that by setting up neighbourhood events and supporting the work of Stoke Volunteer Fire Brigade of which I am an active member.”
Why did you choose to support the People of Motueka competition?
“I love photography and the privilege of judging new work. It feeds my creative soul. I work a lot in Motueka and feel connected as my mother's family all came from the area. Saying yes to being asked if I would judge the competition, was an easy answer.”
If you could see one type of photo win this competition, what would it look like? What story would it tell?
“I am a sucker for authentic stories told through photography. The photos that move me the most engage me visually but then have layers of story that can be read in the image. The story may not even be the one the photographer intended to tell 🙂.”
What's one thing you love about Motueka or the wider district that you hope this competition captures?
“Sometimes you just don't know until you see it! I love the area and there are so many ways you could approach this. I guess a different take on Kaiteriteri would be fun? Something no-one has done before.”
Anita Araya, Motueka iSite - Visitor Information Centre
What do you do and where are you based?
My name is Anita Araya, and I'm the Manager of Motueka isite Visitor Information Centre. We're based in the heart of Motueka and are the official visitor information centre for the region. Our team helps visitors and locals with travel advice, bookings, maps, and recommendations while supporting local tourism businesses, community initiatives, and promoting everything our region has to offer. We are proud to support our community by working alongside local organisations, events, and businesses to help Motueka thrive.
What does the word "community" mean to you, and how does your business/organisation live that out day to day?
To me, community is about people working together and supporting one another to create something stronger than we could achieve alone. At Motueka isite, we connect visitors with local businesses, promote community events, and collaborate with organisations across the district. Every person who walks through our door is an opportunity to share the people, places, and stories that make Motueka such a special place to live and visit.
Why did you choose to support the People of Motueka competition?
Because this competition celebrates what really makes our town unique, its people. Visitors remember the places they visit, but they always remember the people they meet. Supporting this project is a way of celebrating our community and sharing those stories with everyone.
If you could see one type of photo win this competition, what would it look like? What story would it tell?
I'd love to see a genuine moment that captures the connection between people and place; a family harvesting fruit in an orchard, a winemaker in the vineyard, a volunteer caring for the environment, or someone enjoying our stunning beaches, rivers, or national parks. A photo that tells the story of the people behind our community and their deep connection to the land, showcasing the kindness, pride, and spirit that make Motueka unique.
What's one thing you love about Motueka or the wider district that you hope this competition captures?
I hope it captures the warmth and diversity of our people. As someone who moved to New Zealand from Chile, I know how welcoming this community can be. Motueka is enriched by people from many different cultures and backgrounds, and I hope this competition celebrates those stories alongside the landscapes that make our district so special.
Colleen, Volunteer at the Motueka District Museum
Tell us a little about yourself and your business or organisation. What do you do and where are you based?
I am a volunteer host at the Motueka District Museum, I see myself as the friendly first face visitors meet when they visit. By making everyone feel welcomed, answering questions and guiding visitors where needed, I play an important role in creating a positive and enjoyable museum experience for everyone.
What does the word "community" mean to you, and how does your business/organisation live that out day to day?
To me, community means a sense of security, knowing there are people around you who care and who you can rely on when it matters. It’s about connection.
In our museum, we aim to make everyone feel included and valued. We see our role not just as providing a service, but as actively contributing to a strong, connected community.
Why did you choose to support the People of Motueka competition?
I chose to support the People of Motueka competition because supporting community initiatives is simply what we do here. Motueka has always been that kind of place, a town where people show up for one another and take pride in what we have here.
If you could see one type of photo win this competition, what would it look like? What story would it tell?
They would be helping out, being active in the community, as well as taking down time to chill out and take it easy
What's one thing you love about Motueka or the wider district that you hope this competition captures?
One thing I love about Motueka and the wider district is how accessible everything is, from outdoor activities to the simple peace and quiet of everyday life. It really feels like a place that has everything you need.
What I hope this competition captures is that unique mix of natural beauty and friendliness, a community where people are welcoming, and where you can enjoy both connection and a slower pace of life.
Sarah McGregor, Minime Photography
Tell us a little about yourself and your business. What do you do and where are you based?
I’m a mum of three, and the owner of Minime Photography based in Richmond. My business began 15 years ago when my own children were little. I wanted professional photographs of them but struggled to find the style and experience I was looking for, so I decided to create it myself.
Today, I specialise in newborn and family photography, creating timeless portraits that celebrate the people who matter most. For me, it’s about so much more than taking photos, it’s about creating an experience that families genuinely enjoy and artwork they’ll treasure for generations. Every family has a unique story, and I love capturing those connections in a way that feels authentic, beautiful, and uniquely theirs.
What does the word "community" mean to you, and how does your business live that out day to day?
To me, community is about connection, belonging, and supporting one another through every stage of life. It’s knowing the people around you, celebrating their milestones, and being there during the moments that matter most.
That’s something I try to live out every day through my business. I have the privilege of photographing families from the moment they welcome a new baby, then watching them grow over the years. Many of my clients return time and time again, and it’s incredibly special to become part of their family’s story.
Community also means giving back. Whether it’s mentoring other photographers, volunteering my time within the photography industry, supporting local initiatives, or helping create opportunities for others to learn and grow, I believe we’re stronger when we lift each other up.
For me, photography is about much more than creating beautiful images. It’s about preserving memories, building relationships, and helping people celebrate the people they love most.
Why did you choose to support the People of Motueka competition?
The People of Motueka competition really resonated with me because it’s about celebrating the people who make the community what it is. Every person has a story worth telling, and photography has a unique way of capturing those stories in a way that words often can’t.
As a photographer, I’ve always believed that images have the power to preserve memories, create connection, and help people feel seen. Supporting a competition that encourages people to look a little closer at their neighbours, friends, and local identities felt like a natural fit.
It’s also a wonderful way to inspire creativity within the community while creating a lasting record of the people who shape Motueka. I’m proud to play a small part in celebrating those stories and the incredible Motueka community.
If you could see one type of photo win this competition, what would it look like? What story would it tell?
I’d love to see a photograph that makes you stop and wonder about the person in front of you. It doesn’t need to be technically perfect or highly stylised, it just needs to feel real.
The image would tell a genuine story about someone in the Motueka community. It might capture quiet resilience, kindness, passion, humour, or a lifetime of experience. Ideally, it would reveal something about who that person is beyond what we see on the surface.
The best portraits aren’t just about what someone looks like, they’re about what they make you feel. If the winning image leaves people wanting to know the person’s story or reminds them of someone they love, then I think it has done exactly what great photography should.
What's one thing you love about Motueka or the wider district that you hope this competition captures?
What I love most about the Motueka community is the people. It’s a community where people genuinely care for one another, where you’ll often find neighbours helping neighbours, and where there’s a real sense of connection and belonging.
I hope this competition captures that spirit. Beyond the beautiful landscapes and familiar places, I hope it shines a light on the everyday people who quietly make this community so special; the volunteers, the business owners, the creatives, the families, and the characters who all contribute in their own way.
