Claire House Photography

29/05/2026

Auē. He maimai aroha.

Thank you for sharing your mātauranga, Tā Hirini and making our world a better place.

Every time I was lucky enough to listen to Tā Hirini's kōrero or photograph him, my heart would soar and I would skip a little...I'd pinch myself that I was really there, next to this brilliant mind that I quoted in uni essays.

He mihi aroha nūnui ki tōna whānau i tēnei wā pouri.

Considered one of the most influential thinkers and cultural leaders in te ao Māori over the past century, Tā Hirini Moko Haerewa Mead has died, his whānau confirmed in a social media post.

Nō reira, e te pou o te ao Māori, e Tā Hirini, moe mai rā.

13/07/2025

Whakatāne locals make sure you treat yourself to enjoy this beautiful exhibition at Whakatāne Art Gallery - I actually can't put into words the joy of photographing these stunning works (time in the gallery - just me, my camera and beautiful mahi toi ❤️) and to photograph the opening of He Tāwharau Mataatua.

The exhibition is open until 6 September and features 14 talented kaimahi toi. Don't miss out!

06/07/2025

What a fabulous event to appreciate the talent in our community and enjoy the stunning light installations to brighten our winter at the Trust Horizon Light up Whakatāne - Light Festival opening night last night.

I'm looking forward to walking the light trail again - Whakatāne locals be sure to go into town to enjoy the wonderful installations this week!

04/07/2025

Taneātua Amazing Race was fabulous - team work, smiles, learning and loads of fun! Sooo wonderful to photograph 😊

03/07/2025

At University and Teacher's College, I referenced Tā Hirini Moko Mead countless times. I learnt so much from his publications....

So to soak up all the kōrero, get my copy of Mātauranga Māori and be the one to document on camera the launch of his new pukapuka really was a huge honour ❤️

Get your copy from Huia Publishers -
I know it's going to be an inspiring read....

02/07/2025

Do you do this too?
Cut out an article about your new pukapuka and keep it inside the cover?

I'm so excited to read Mātauranga Māori by Tā Hirini Moko Mead. It was such a privilege to be at his book launch, to be inspired by the kōrero and to photograph this truly special event.

Wow. Just wow.
Mīharo!

12/05/2025

Introducing Miss Bella - my furry 'co-worker' who not only wants to meet and greet (and be patted), but also be part of the action in the studio....

12/05/2025

Oooh still smiling!
Had the best morning in the studio doing an express business photoshoot! 📸

10/05/2025

Soooo much fun!
Can you guess where my photoshoot this afternoon was?

I absolutely love working with fabulous business owners to take a gallery of photos of what makes their business special. A varied gallery of business photos make showing up on social media and sharing the awesomeness of your pakihi online so much easier. And for me, it's the BEST to take the photos that do that.

10/05/2025

Huge project spanning many years mahi completed, making our communities safer.
It was really awesome to photograph the Completion of the Rangitāiki Floodway and Spillway Project and see the gates and system that will keep our community safe if food waters rise.

(...And always awesome to wear my red bands while taking photos...).