This project started after a chance meeting at St John’s church in Wakefield. That day I learned that St John’s is the oldest continually used church in New Zealand, the oldest in the South Island and first designed by a woman.

Many of New Zealand’s most historic churches are found in Nelson and on the Waimea Plains in Tasman Bay. Diminishing congregations and ageing parishioners mean that many of the buildings face an uncertain future.

This ongoing project focuses on the communities these buildings serve and the people who try to preserve them.

Selected photos from this project were published in the July 2022 issue of North & South Magazine.

©Andy MacDonald / All Rights Reserved.

Tear sheets from a variety of publications including Taranaki Daily News, Nelson Mail, Sunday Star Times, North & South and New Zealand Geographic.

Feature article printed in New Zealand Geographic Jan / Feb 2022 issue.

First published in North & South magazine December 2021.

Life on Surf Highway 45 photographed as a personal and work project. Described by locals as the “magnificent side of the mountain” the 105km long road stretches from New Plymouth to Hawera, running past many of the regions most stunning beaches.

Most images are ©Andy MacDonald - a limited number are ©Stuff

Printed in New Zealand Geographic issue 174 March - April 2022

These photos were taken on a 10 day trip to Takapourewa/Stephens Island for the purpose of monitoring Hamiltons frogs. I would like to acknowledge Ngāti Koata and Te Papa Atawhai for their dual responsibility to protect Takapourewa for future generations as joint managers of the island. He mihi tēnei ki Ngāti Koata me Te Papa Atawhai ngā roopu mana whakahaere o Takapourewa.

A collection of images mostly taken on the job at the Taranaki Daily News.

Images shot on the job for The Nelson Mail / Stuff.

All photographs © The Nelson Mail / Stuff.