ABOUT PHOTOINCNZ
Photoincnz is the creative home of New Zealand photographer and author Sue Shepherd. With a lens spanning the remote icescapes of the Arctic and Antarctica, the rich biodiversity of the Amazon and Galápagos, and the raw beauty of the African wilderness, Sue’s work captures the spirit of the natural world and the stories of the communities within it.
Beyond international expeditions, Sue’s dedication to documentary storytelling is deeply rooted closer to home. Over the years, she has served as an official volunteer photographer for significant civic projects—most notably documenting the four-year build of the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei and spending eighteen months chronicling the construction of the Te Hononga Kawakawa Community Centre. These immersive, long-form documentary projects reflect a profound commitment to preserving local history and heritage through self-published photographic books and fine art prints.
Photography has always been about more than just pressing a shutter—it is about connection, preservation, and storytelling. Whether she is crafting fine art interpretations of wildlife or standing shoulder-to-shoulder with local craftspeople to document landmark community architecture, Sue brings a meticulous eye and a deep respect for her subjects to every frame.
Photoincnz is a celebration of these journeys, both global and local. We invite you to explore the galleries, discover the print shop, and experience the world through a lifelong dedication to the art of visual storytelling.
The Te Hononga Community Centre - Sue Shepherd
Completed in late 2020 after more than a decade of community planning.
Te Hononga—meaning a place of connection, union, and bond—houses Kawakawa’s library, council service centre, gallery, workshop spaces, and visitor facilities within its striking Sirewall rammed earth walls.
Over 18 months of photographing every stage of its construction, I captured this remarkable project's evolution - a journey I also share in my published 140-page book documenting the build.
Construction Hundertwasser Centre Whangarei - Sue Shepherd
Selected from over 30,000 images captured over four years as the official volunteer photographer, this exhibition offers a unique record of the creation of the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery.
Beyond documenting the striking architecture, these photographs celebrate the human side—highlighting the skill and dedication of the people involved at every level. Since opening in February 2022, the completed centre has become a thriving regional landmark, having welcomed over 200,000 visitors.