National Geographic Photographer At Te Papa

13 April 2006

Works of world-renowned National Geographic Photographer
arrives in Wellington

Take a look through the lens of National Geographic photographer Sam Abell and experience Australia like you’ve never seen it before – in a free exhibition on display in the Air New Zealand Concourse at Te Papa from 23-27 April.

Australia through the National Geographic Exhibition, is part of a series of events for Tourism Australia’s inaugural G’DAY NZ Australia week 2006 (23-29 April), and features 38 photographs that explore the landscapes, wildlife and maritime wonderlands of Australia, showcasing the best Australia has to offer.

“Sam Abell conveys through his art the vastness of Australia’s landscapes - from the sparse and remote desert locations, to the bustling cityscapes, indigenous cultures and exotic marine wonderlands - he captures the true spirit of Australia,” said Tourism Australia Managing Director, Scott Morrison.

Tourism Australia is proud to support National Geographic in bringing Sam Abell’s exhibition to audiences around the world because of the magazine’s track record for providing new and exciting information on Australia to its widespread audience. “This exhibition is right on the mark in capturing and conveying to audiences the essence of Australia,” said Mr Morrison.

For photographer Sam Abell, Australia is a very special place. “Every photographer who has worked at National Geographic for the better part of their career looks for a place that they can call their own, photographically and spiritually,” said Abell. “That place for me is Australia, particularly the remote northern part of the continent. I found there a landscape and a people that powerfully affected my photography and me. These photographs are the result.”

Australia through the National Geographic Exhibition will run from Sunday 23 – Thursday 27 April at the Air New Zealand Concourse, Te Papa in Wellington, with the Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, HE Mr John Dauth, LVO, attending the opening event. “It is a pleasure for me to support Tourism Australia’s inaugural G’DAY NZ Australia Week 2006,” said Mr Dauth.

“The week promises to be a celebration of those common values and cultural traditions that so closely link Australia and New Zealand, and a reminder of the stimulation that differences can bring to any relationship.” The opening night will also showcase a performance by Descendance, an award winning aboriginal dance troupe who will be touring New Zealand as part of G’DAY NZ Australia Week 2006. The Australia through the National Geographic Exhibition will also be on display in Auckland, 8-15 May, before travelling to a number of different regions around the world over the next 12 months.

G’DAY NZ Australia Week 2006 (23-29 April) is proudly presented by Tourism Australia. It will feature a number of events that highlight Australian food and wine, film, arts and indigenous culture, including Auckland based events, the spirit of Mateship Gala Dinner, Australia’s Longest Lunch in New Zealand and also the United Travel Australian Film Selection. For more information on any of these events, visit www.australiaweek.co.nz

ENDS

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