March 30th 2021: Claymore

When I'm not shooting surfing I'm often away doing other photography and film work. One of my favourite assignments is for a mate of mine, Andrew Cornaga, from Photosport New Zealand. He's one of the greats in sport's photography and one of the hardest working photographers I know.

When he asks me to shoot sports I jump at the chance. This past Friday was no different as I shot the Highlanders against the Hurricanes – pretty much two of the top teams in the world right now. It was also a big moment for Aaron Smith – his 154th appearance for the Highlanders, taking him past the record for the most-capped player that had previously been held by the, also legendary, Ben Smith.

Aaron Smith made his debut back in 2011 (when Box of Light first started coincidentally) and he is now considered to be the best halfback in the world. His career on the field has been extraordinary. I've photographed games he's played in for the All Blacks and the Highlanders since he started and every time he has his hands on the ball some magic flows. He's loved by nearly everyone: his team, his coaches and most of the time his opposition, too.

He's grown up in an era where rugby players have been coached to be supreme athletes and, more importantly, to also be great human beings. He embodies that.

When he was presented with the Claymore on Friday night, he showed once again his great mana. Fans, his team mates, coaching staff, officials, the Hurricanes and media all gathered around to help him celebrate. When the Highlanders performed a moving haka, led by Ash Dixon, a tear rolled down Aaron's cheek as he hugged his wife. It was moving for many of those in witness, and speaks volumes for the place where New Zealand rugby has evolved to.

Mauruuru koe mo te whakaatu i te huarahi ki a maatau tamariki.

See you at the beach ... Derek

PS The Emerson's South Island Surf Champs are on April 2-4 ... starting Friday! It's going to be huge with Surfing New Zealand sanctioning it as Event 4 of the New Zealand Surf Series and Event 6 of the NZ Grom Series. The forecast is looking kind of wild with some patches of weather promising waves in the excellent range. See you there.