Meeting with photographer and environmentalist Craig Potton

As I open the door of this gallery, I unconsciously leave the vibrant city of Nelson and take the next step into the fabulous world of Craig Potton.

“The elements are very, very powerful in New Zealand, and they’re unpredictable, so you can have all four seasons in one day,” explains this photographer and environmentalist, who has left his mark all over the country for several decades.

While initially recognized as a Landscape Photographer, political action has always been an integral part of his career. As early as the age of 18, he became involved in environmental struggles to preserve old-growth forests. He and his colleagues in the conservation group The Royal Forest and Bird Society succeeded in putting pressure on the government, which created New Zealand’s Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai, in 1987. 

His career has been so influential that, in 2013, Craig Potton was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for his work as a photographer and environmentalist. What an inspiring encounter!

Learn more: Craig Potton’s website

---