November 23rd 2021: Giving

I'm stoked to say that we have rasied $1850 so far for the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust through the sale of our limited edition print run of the famous Vega, who won me the 2018 NZ Geo Photographer of the Year competition. That's such a great feeling to be giving that much to help the sea lions find their home here on our coastline. Stoked.

A huge thanks to those who bought a framed print or a mounted print and to Electric Kiwi, the New Zealand power company that supports our wildlife and photography in equal measure. If you missed out you can still buy a limited edition Vega print right here.

This week we also hung a bunch of new 1m x 1m framed limited edition prints in our gallery and as a collaboration with Shannon at Bean on Water – the trendy new café that she's transformed on Water Street in town (opposite The Distinction Hotel). Go and check them out, grab a coffee, or lunch, or both. It's nice to see these large 1m x 1m framed prints up close as it is the detail that makes them so timeless. We only make 10 of these and our last one of the St Clair Pool sold out so fast and we still get enquiries weekly from people trying to buy one. If you're thinking Christmas then don't delay – they take 10 days to make. We're also about to hang one of our largest ever artworks – a 2.4m wide beauty. Think gold tones, brush strokes and a statement piece that is captured right here in Dunedin. Or come in and check it our for free. We hope to be hanging it by Wednesday.

Finally, I was involved with three events this week that left me fizzing. The first, on Thursday, was the surf survival night run by Will, Michaela and Evie – three of the four doctors involved in the Taieri Mouth Rescue earlier this year. It was standing room only. An absolute gem of an event.

The second and third were Surfers Rescue 24/7 training run by Sonia Keepa. Twenty eight Otago women went first (including my two daughters) then 25 men in 2-3 hour training sessions that focused on nothing but saving lives and improving outcomes in rescue situations. I was particularly moved to see the big wave legends in attendance – making sure that when the day came – they were ready to administer 30 to 2, no matter who (chest compressions to breaths). This concept is so good – I just shake my head that we have only just started it. If you live in another region of New Zealand, or Australia, find the next course near you and do it. You won't regret it.

See you at the beach ... Derek

PS Christmas is upon us and we have some tight deadlines for new prints: international print and book orders must be with us by the end of this week ... if you want to unwrap something special on Xmas Day. We can deliver custom prints New Zealand wide in time for Xmas up until December 14. The artworks in our gallery can be delivered New Zealand wide if bought before December 20. Or, if you're like me and leave it to the last minute, then pop into the gallery. We'll be open through until December 24 – Box of Light Gallery at 8 Castle Street right across from the Dunedin Railway Station. Get cracking.