He Kakano-Ahau
June 20th to July 14th 2018

He Kakano Ahau Whangarei - a project of OUR People is an photography project that uses the art of visual storytelling to share the stories of the Whangarei community. Created by students from the Salvation Army Alt Ed school in 2017 and 2018, this exhibition gives voice to both the students, and people of the community, as they share what it means to them to belong here.
Often our first impressions, or our face value perception of those we see in front of us, creates the judgements that we hold on to. When given the opportunity to dig a little deeper we, more often than not, find that the stereotypes or first impressions are quite wrong. But how often do we take the time to dig a little deeper or to connect with those around us that we might see every day, but know little about? This exhibition gives everyone an opportunity look beyond the veil of first impressions. See, feel and hear more about the people in our community, from the Mayor to the caretakers of the street. See the world through the eyes of young students who have something to say and share, but not often the platform to do it.
He Kakano Ahau Whangarei has had an important role in breaking down barriers both perceived and real, boosting confidence, and greatly expanding perspectives. We hope that those that experience the exhibition will get a taste of that, and the opportunity to see the gold that exists when we glimpse beyond our first impressions.
Often our first impressions, or our face value perception of those we see in front of us, creates the judgements that we hold on to. When given the opportunity to dig a little deeper we, more often than not, find that the stereotypes or first impressions are quite wrong. But how often do we take the time to dig a little deeper or to connect with those around us that we might see every day, but know little about? This exhibition gives everyone an opportunity look beyond the veil of first impressions. See, feel and hear more about the people in our community, from the Mayor to the caretakers of the street. See the world through the eyes of young students who have something to say and share, but not often the platform to do it.
He Kakano Ahau Whangarei has had an important role in breaking down barriers both perceived and real, boosting confidence, and greatly expanding perspectives. We hope that those that experience the exhibition will get a taste of that, and the opportunity to see the gold that exists when we glimpse beyond our first impressions.