975 days ago

Social skill is key to event photography success

The Team from Momentum Waikato

Mike Walen is a self-taught professional photographer whose business success has been entirely driven by word-of-mouth endorsement.

Now KeyImagery, Mike’s Hamilton-based firm, has become a Momentum Waikato Partner business.

With a knack for the social side of snapping people, Mike really enjoys event photography.

“Three quarters of what I do is about being able to socialise with people, I’m not scared of approaching them to ask if I can take their photo,” says Mike.

“Nothing I love more than going along and mingling.”

Events are the “bread and butter” for KeyImagery, which takes Mike to civic, school and sports gatherings across the central North Island. He’s also been the photographer-of-record at international marathons overseas.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
22 hours ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

Image
Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 39.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    39.3% Complete
  • 58.7% No, I enjoy it
    58.7% Complete
  • 2% Other - I'll share below
    2% Complete
816 votes
1 hour ago

Police forced to name Netflix as platform for Tom Phillips documentary

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Police have confirmed Netflix will screen a reality-style documentary on fugitive Tom Phillips, after initially refusing to name the platform.

Phillips was shot dead on Te Anga Rd, west of Waitomo on September 8, after a near four-year manhunt for Phillips and his three children.

Image
1 hour ago

Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026

Hilda Ross Retirement Village

Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.

Click read more to find out more.

Image