479 days ago

Award-winning teen photographer captures worlds the eye can't see

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

Kia ora neighbours,

When D’Artagnan Sprengel was just nine, he had a go with a little blue Canon point-and-shoot camera, getting up close with nearby fungi.

Nearly six years later, he’s an internationally-recognised photographer, whose accolades include a commendation from the global Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.

The 15-year-old Bombay resident’s work was recently shown alongside photographers from all over the world at an exhibition in Hamilton.

His highly-commended photograph was of a daisy, weighed down by frost and barely keeping its head up.

Sprengel says he has always loved nature. Now that he’s capturing it from behind a powerful DSLR lens – a gift for his 11th birthday – he can see things the eye cannot.

“It shows a difference perspective. Like a spider, which people don’t like, it can show that they’re awesome, they’re fluffy and cute sometimes. They are a lovely and beautiful creature.”

More messages from your neighbours
5 hours ago

Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Would you want an unconventional funeral?
  • 91.3% Yes
    91.3% Complete
  • 4.3% No
    4.3% Complete
  • 4.3% Other - I'll share below!
    4.3% Complete
23 votes
5 hours ago

Do good in the dark times

Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support

In the darkest of times, no one should have to cope alone. Victim Support seeks volunteers like you to step up and step in, to offer vital assistance when it’s needed most. Whether it's providing crucial information or just being there to listen, your support can change lives.

Share your skills, time and compassion to directly help victims of crime, suicide and traumatic events.

Volunteer with us and do good in the dark times!

With heartfelt thanks,
The Victim Support Team
Find out more

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7 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.4% Yes
    91.4% Complete
  • 8% No
    8% Complete
  • 0.6% Other - I'll share below!
    0.6% Complete
1613 votes