D Spencer Photography + Fine Art

02/07/2026

A quick call to action!

Please can you go comment on this post.

A balloon release is always a bad option but the Solomon Islands have some of the most pristine reef systems, about to be inundated with “hundreds of balloons” released as a sign of community 😭 We need to do better and show event planners this is not OK!

A good community event is a flower/petal release or maybe a tree planting day - something that has positive lasting impacts. Not hundreds of balloons ready to be eaten, entangled or smothering coral. The more comments the more likely the event planners will realise this 🙏 takes two seconds.

Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources - Solomon Islands Solomon Islands Electoral Commission

Hundreds of balloons to be released for Solomon Islands’ 48th independence anniversary
Honiara, 02 July 2026 - The Solomon Islands will mark its 48th Independence Anniversary this year with the release of hundreds of balloons in the national colours during the Prime Minister’s three happy cheers.

The balloon release will take place immediately after the official ceremony and signifies national unity, pride, and celebration for the country and its people.

Organisers say the display of blue, yellow, green and white balloons will create a striking moment of colour and reflection as the nation commemorates 48 years of Independence since 7 July 1978.

“The release of the balloons is more than a celebration. It is a symbol of our unity as one people, under one flag, moving forward together as a nation,” Chair of the Organising Committee, Daniel Rove said.

The Prime Minister will lead the three happy cheers before releasing the balloons, inviting all Solomon Islanders present to join in the moment of national pride.

The balloon release forms part of the wider Independence Anniversary program, which begins with the National Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 5th July at Saint Barnabas Anglican Cathedral, and culminates in official celebrations on Tuesday 7th July.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend and be part of this year’s commemorations.

-ENDS-

23/04/2026

This ANZAC weekend is last weekend that Eye Level Art and Photography Exhibition is running.

Open Friday (tomorrow) from 1pm
Saturday 25th from 10am
Sunday 26th from 10am

Both big and little pieces available for purchase. Bringing that ocean inspiration into your home 🌊🥰

The exhibition will be open the rest of the week until the 30th during movie showings 😊 Times are up on Mayfair Theatre website.

18/04/2026

Last few days to see the exhibition at the Mayfair Theatre. Last few days to snap up any artwork that you like 😄

Today Tuesday 28th from 1:30pm
Tomorrow Wednesday 29th from 3:30pm
Last day Thursday 30th from 4pm

Just a small snippet of the exhibition, including a couple of my favourite pieces and images from the community competition. You'll have to come down to see the rest!

As always a big thank you to all the sponsors (see 2nd image) for making it possible, and the tour operators that supported with prizes for the competition (see 4th image).

09/03/2026

If you’ve got some Kaikōura based photographs taken during 2025/2026 then you could be in for a chance to win some amazing Kaikōura experiences. Our local operators show case Kaikōura’s beauty above and below the water! What better way to celebrate the connection we share to this beautiful area.

Entries are now open for the Eye Level Photography Competition! We are already seeing some amazing entries so keep them coming!😄

Big shout out to the local operators for supporting this competition Air Kaikoura Aero Club Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura Albatross Encounter Kaikoura Seal Swim Kaikōura EcoZip Kaikōura

You can enter by following the link below:
https://dspencerart.com/pages/photo-comp

01/03/2026

ENTRIES ARE OPEN!

Eye Level Photography Competition is open for submissions until 20th March 2026. And even better it is FREE to enter!

Think beautiful landscapes, exciting animal encounters and interesting interpretations of how the community experiences Kaikōura.

Open to all ages and abilities, with five categories there is something for everyone. With exciting local prizes to be won (announcement to come soon).

You can enter at https://dspencerart.com/pages/photo-comp
OR
https://forms.gle/h2p8Q4ywLR4FWXPZ7

Please remember all images should be taken following the marine mammal regulations. No photograph is worth disturbing our unique wildlife. You can brush up on your regulations here:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/marine-mammals/sharing-our-coasts-with-marine-mammals/

Big thank you to all our supporters: KDC Creative Communities Scheme, Mayfair Theatre, Seaweek, Puhi Peaks, J+S Wyatt, Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura, Albatross Encounter Kaikoura, Seal Swim Kaikōura, Air Kaikoura Aero Club, Ecozip Kaikoura, Sunflower Glass Studio NZ, as well as our lovely judges Simon Pierce, Annika Dahlberg, Fiona Wardle.

22/02/2026

Meet the judges! and

With just a week until submission open, we thought it would be a good time to introduce our expert judging panel. I’m really excited to have these guys involved, each one is an excellent photographer with years of experience across the globe.

As approaches I am looking forward to seeing the Kaikōura environment through the community’s lens!

Have you thought about which category you’re going to enter?

Link to enter on my Bio and event on my Facebook.

11/02/2026

Kaikōura has an endless supply of inspiration, from the wildlife that lives here to the landscape itself. It has shaped me as an artist, and this year I will be exploring this connection to our environment through my exhibition Eye Level. Opening 10th April at the Mayfair Theatre.

Alongside the art I also wanted to explore what our environment means to the Kaikōura community. And that is where you come in! During March the Eye Level Photography Competition will be open for submissions. Winners and runners up will be printed and displayed during the exhibition in April. They will be chosen by an expert panel of professional photographers; Simon Pierce, Annika Dahlberg and Fiona Wardle.

There are five categories - something for everyone - including phone and junior. Photographs can be taken anytime during 2025 and 2026. With a special category to celebrate Seaweek.

For more information check out the link below:
https://dspencerart.com/pages/photo-comp

08/01/2026

✨NEW T SHIRT DESIGN✨
🐋Pre Order CLOSED🐋

Limited Edition block print style design inspired by the underwater life that makes Kaikoura such a unique place. Price: $50

Quality design screen printed in New Zealand onto mid weight, 180 GSM,100% combed cotton AS colour T-Shirts. Available in three shirt styles and three colours!