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40 stunning photos from the place I call home

I was listening to a commentator today on National Radio talking about how the manufacturing sector, and especially exporters in New Zealand were in a really bad way. That doesn't apply to us, but he did help me remember three things about why I came back from Australia to help grow Queensberry. It's her 40th birthday next month, and while she has changed beyond belief these past 10 years she grows up next month.

I returned for ...

Passion

I came back to be part of some thing much bigger than myself. I have been passionate about this industry since I was a child and love photography, love weddings and love the creative people we work with. Queensberry is an aspirational brand.

The challenge

At the time I returned in 1996, New Zealand was suffering from a 'brain drain'. So many of our young people, like myself, had left or were leaving because they thought there was no real chance of great opportunity in New Zealand. They were pursuing jobs that paid by the pound (GBP), and exploring the world through their OE. Student loans meant many had no desire to come back. I wanted to come back and prove them wrong ... create a business model that was unique and then take on the world. We built intellectual property, and differentiate through design.

A spiritual connection with the land

I am often frustrated when I hear some New Zealand Maori talk about their spiritual connection with New Zealand as if it is only them that have this connection, and imply that because I am not Maori that somehow my connection is less. The truth is I pine for New Zealand when I am away, and miss it as much as I do my family if I am away for to long. We are however blessed with being so connected with the world. We try to act locally in each market but have a global focus. Travel is great, and this life allows us the benefit of both worlds.

A story told through photographs.

It is only fitting therefore that I should share a little of my beautiful country through photos. I found these on flickr. This is our land. I thank the photographers that took these images and have retained the links so if you click on any photo and go through to the photographers flickr page and find more of their story... enjoy.