http://www.kerryhodgephotography.com/

Kerry Hodge Photography : KHP, Milton (2026)

23/07/2026

Things I've learnt from observing humans: We don't notice nearly enough of the good stuff.
We notice the big things. The milestones. The achievements. The moments worth putting on a calendar.

But so much of life happens quietly. The person who always checks everyone else is okay before themselves. The parent who thinks they're just surviving... while someone is watching them be the safest place in the world. The business owner who doesn't realise how much knowledge they've collected because "it's just what I do." The person who says they aren't confident, while everyone else sees their courage. The couple who thinks nobody noticed the little moments between them.

But I notice. Not because I'm trying to find something profound. I think humans are just endlessly fascinating. The tiny gestures. The little habits. The ways people show love without saying a word. The things that seem ordinary because we do them every day. Those are usually the things that tell the biggest stories. And maybe that's why I've always loved what I do. Because sometimes people just need someone else to notice the things they've been too busy living to see.

22/07/2026

✨ Milton Business Spotlight: Jo Turnbull – Cutlers Real Estate ✨

With more than 25 years of experience in real estate, Jo Turnbull has built a career around one thing above all else, people. Jo began her real estate journey in Dunedin in 2000 before focusing on Milton after moving here in 2001. Since then, she has become a familiar and trusted face in the local property scene, helping buyers, sellers, and landlords navigate the ever-changing world of real estate. In 2003, Jo also expanded into property management, growing a business that continues to support the community today.

While the industry has changed a lot over the years, Jo says one thing has remained constant, the importance of relationships. Meeting new clients, working alongside locals, and helping people through some of life’s biggest transitions is what continues to inspire her. Jo loves that Milton offers the best of both worlds- a strong community feel while being incredibly central to Dunedin, Invercargill, Central Otago, Queenstown, and with the airport just a short drive away. She enjoys watching the district grow, from new homes and business developments to town upgrades and community facilities.

Most of all, Jo loves the people. She regularly hears from new families how welcomed they have felt moving to the area, with children settling into schools, parents getting involved, and connections forming quickly. Being able to work close to home, catch up with clients around town, and be part of Milton’s future is something she truly values.

📞 027 208 4426
🌐 www.cutlers.co.nz
💛 Helping people find their place in our community.

💌 Want to be part of the Milton Business Directory? Email [email protected] before July 30th to get involved.

20/07/2026

One of the things I love most about photographing weddings.....is seeing everything you don't.

While you're busy getting married, I'm watching a hundred little stories unfold around you.
Your dad trying not to cry.
Your nan watching you with the biggest smile.
The flower girl collecting leaves instead of petals.
The quiet squeeze of a hand.
Your mates laughing until they can't breathe.

You don't miss these moments because you're not paying attention. You miss them because you're busy living one of the biggest days of your life. And that's exactly as it should be. Years from now, some of these people won't be here. Some little faces will be all grown up. Some of those hugs will become priceless.

That's why wedding photography has never just been about the couple for me.

It's about the people who made your story what it is.

20/07/2026

✨ Milton Business Spotlight: Lawnmasters Yard Services ✨
A tidy yard can make all the difference, and that's exactly what Cory at Lawnmasters Yard Services is passionate about.

Whether it's mowing lawns, trimming hedges, or creating crisp, tidy edges, Cory takes pride in helping properties look fresh, well-maintained, and at their very best. No matter the size of the job, his focus is on reliable service and quality results that leave customers smiling.

For Cory, one of the best things about working in Milton is the people. He loves being part of a small town where everyone looks out for each other and appreciates the strong sense of community that makes the district such a great place to live and work.

📞 022 401 6658
📧 [email protected]
💛 Helping keep our community looking its best.

💌 Want to be part of the Milton Business Directory? Email [email protected] before July 30th to get involved.

19/07/2026

One of the biggest lies business owners tell themselves is... "My business is boring."
I hear it all the time.
"I don't know what I'd even post."
"Nothing interesting happens around here."
"I'm just a..." Just a builder. Just an accountant. Just a florist. Just a farmer. Just a bookkeeper. Just a mechanic. Just a café owner.

Can I let you in on something? You only think your business is ordinary because you live in it every day. You don't notice the knowledge you've built over years, or the little things you do without thinking, or the problems you solve before your customers even know they have them.
The stories. The people. The process. The reasons you care so much about doing a good job.
That's the interesting bit. Not because it's flashy. Because it's real.

I've never walked into a business and thought, "Well... there's nothing to see here."

Every single one has a story. Sometimes it just takes someone from the outside to notice it.
And honestly... That's my favourite part.

📸 of Princes Street Butcher for The Big Foody Food Tours

17/07/2026

✨ Milton Business Spotlight: Brooklyn Mair Art ✨

Creativity has always been part of Brooklyn's world, and now she's turning that lifelong passion into an exciting new creative business.

A self-taught artist, Brooklyn works across a range of mediums including sketching, painting, clay modelling, digital illustration, 3D modelling, and animation. She has a particular love for character design, creating original characters inspired by music, everyday life, and her imagination, with dreams of bringing their stories to life through comics and animation.

Alongside creating custom digital artwork and 2D animations for individuals and businesses, Brooklyn is passionate about inspiring the next generation of artists. This term she's running a 9-week after-school art programme for 8–11-year-olds, exploring character design and storytelling through drawing, painting, clay, crafts, comic creation, mask making, and digital art. The programme will finish with an exhibition of the children's artwork at the Tokomairiro Community Hub.
She also offers one-on-one in-home art sessions for children under 13, creating opportunities for young artists to develop their skills and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.

For Brooklyn, Milton is a place where community matters. She loves the friendly conversations, familiar faces, and the sense of belonging that comes from living in a small town. As she continues to grow her creative business, she's excited to share her passion for art and contribute to the local community through creativity.

📧 [email protected]
📱 Facebook: Brooklyn Mair Art
📱 Instagram: Brooklyn M
💛 Encouraging creativity, one artwork at a time.

💌 Want to be part of the Milton Business Directory? Email [email protected] before July 30th to get involved.

15/07/2026

✨ Milton Business Spotlight: Toko – Great Southern ✨

When it comes to timber and rural supplies, Brian (Griff) and Luke at Toko – Great Southern have Milton covered. This father and son team proudly operate the only timber yard in Milton, supplying everything from timber of all sizes, posts, gates, wire, netting, plywood, screws, and cement, through to sheds, garden furniture, planter boxes, compost bins, dog kennels, hen houses, water troughs, and so much more. They also treat and dress timber for both indoor and outdoor use and offer a convenient delivery service.

Whether you're building a fence, tackling a DIY project, or taking on a larger rural job, Griff and Luke are always happy to help with friendly advice and quality products. Their message is simple, shop local and save yourself the trip to Dunedin!

For the Griffin family, it's the people that make this area so special. Family, friendships, and the strong sense of community are what they love most about living and working in Milton, and they're proud to be part of a town that continues to support local businesses.

📍 76 Springfield Road, Milton
📞 027 418 4110
🌐 www.greatsouthern.net.nz
📱 Toko – Great Southern on Facebook
💛 Keeping local projects local.

💌 Want to be part of the Milton Business Directory? Email [email protected] before July 30th to get involved.

13/07/2026

✨ Milton Business Spotlight: Milton Information Centre & Museum ✨

A place where stories, history, and community connections come together, the Milton Information Centre & Museum is a treasure trove of local knowledge. Whether you're a visitor exploring the region or a local looking to discover more about the area, Noeline and the team are there to help. The centre provides travel information, maps, cycle trail details, and guidance for exploring destinations throughout Clutha, including Kaitangata, Owaka, Lawrence, West Otago, and Milton.

Beyond helping travellers find their way, the museum preserves and shares the rich history of the district. Their collection includes historical records, family history resources, photographs, cemetery information, and research services for those wanting to trace their whakapapa or learn more about the past. They also hold a significant collection of Milton Pottery, with a history book and DVD available, alongside displays celebrating the area's woollen and flour mill heritage.

For Noeline and the team, preserving the stories and collections of the district is incredibly important. They love being part of a community with such a strong history, easy access to coast and countryside, welcoming local businesses, and people who continue to support one another.

📍 51–53 Union Street, Milton
📞 03 417 7480
🌐 www.miltonmuseum.nz
💛 Preserving yesterday’s stories for tomorrow’s generations.

09/07/2026

Things I've learnt from observing humans: We are really good at turning thoughts into facts.
"I'm not photogenic."
"I'm not confident."
"I'm not creative."
"I'm not good enough."
"I'm too old to start."
"I'm not the kind of person who does that."

The funny thing is... Most of the time, nobody else has said those things about us. We've just repeated them enough times that they started to feel true. I've seen it so many times.
Someone tells me they're awkward in front of the camera... Then 20 minutes later they're laughing, relaxed, completely themselves.

A business owner tells me they have nothing interesting to share... Then spends an hour telling me stories about the thing they've built, the people they've helped, and why they care so much.

A parent tells me their family isn't "photo worthy"... While I'm watching a hundred tiny moments that are exactly why they wanted photos in the first place.

Sometimes are just too close to our own lives to see what's actually there.

Maybe you aren't boring. Maybe you aren't awkward. Maybe you aren't behind. Maybe you've just been listening to the wrong narrator for too long. And maybe it's time to see yourself from a different perspective.

07/07/2026

✨ Milton Business Spotlight: Kelly's Kitchen ✨

Since opening its doors in 2017, Kelly's Kitchen has become a much-loved destination for locals and travellers alike, bringing a touch of city-style café culture to the heart of Milton.

Kelly's vision was simple: create a welcoming space where people could enjoy delicious, wholesome food made with quality ingredients, while building a positive workplace for her team and a great atmosphere for every customer who walks through the door. Whether you're stopping in for breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake, or a catch-up with friends, you'll always find a warm welcome waiting.

Alongside the café, Kelly's Kitchen also offers catering for weddings, birthdays, corporate functions, club suppers, and funerals. Helping make life's special moments, and everything in between, just that little bit easier.

A proud local, Kelly has always believed Milton is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. She says the support she received from the community when she first opened the café has meant the world, and she's incredibly grateful for the continued support of loyal locals. Situated on the main street, she also loves meeting the many travellers who stop in, giving her team the chance to share a little Milton hospitality with people from all walks of life.

📍 52 Union Street, Milton
📞 03 417 7468
📱 Facebook: Kelly's Kitchen Milton NZ
📱 Instagram: Kellys Kitchen
💛 Good food, great people, and a warm welcome every time.

💌 Want to be part of the Milton Business Directory? Email [email protected] before July 30th to get involved.

Kerry Hodge Photography : KHP

23/07/2026

22/07/2026

20/07/2026

20/07/2026

19/07/2026

17/07/2026

15/07/2026

13/07/2026

09/07/2026

07/07/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category