Box of Light is made possible thanks to these visionaries:
It feels good to be back shooting motocross again after nearly a decade out of the game. Things have changed a lot since my days working on ADB – the biggest dirt bike magazine in Australia at the time. Cameras have come a long way, and especially the Canons I use. These days, nearly every shot is pin-sharp and the exposures are always bang on. So instead of trying to get the technical bits right, I can think more about the creative side.
Part of my work with Motorcycling New Zealand includes filming some vignettes with some of the best current and up-and-coming moto athletes.
The first preview film I made was so much fun to put together. You can see that 2026 Yamaha NZ MX Nats preview right here. The rich characters pulled it all together.
Round 1 of the four-round series took place at Invercargill's infamous Sandpit track on Sunday. Maximus Purvis won all three motos in MX1 – the premier division with Josiah Natzke second in each and the young local rising star Jack Symon taking third overall. Each of the divisions had some incredible racing – illustrating the great depth we have here in New Zealand.
The 2026 Yamaha NZ Motocross Nationals heads to Balclutha this Saturday (November 22) with spectator access from 9am at the riverside track.
In between moto laps, I managed to get in the water for a dreamy session over the hill. I thought I was onto a sneaky surf, but it turns out every surfer in Dunedin was taking advantage of the warm weather and peaky, summery swell. After a week or two of average local surf conditions, that session felt great ... more of that please Hughey.
See you at the beach, Derek
PS We've been busy with early Christmas orders of our books and artworks in the gallery. We have limited stock hanging in the gallery, so if you have your eye on one, get in early to make sure we can make it for you in time. We have a local printer and framer – both of whom are among the best in the country. We also have books which make the perfect gift for ... well, everyone.
Box of Light is made possible thanks to these visionaries: