Puaki

by Michael Bradley

Date: Jul 3 – Jul 16Space: Main Gallery

Puaki – To come forth, reveal, show itself, emerge

In the exhibition Puaki, two portraits of each subject are shown side-by-side. The wet-plate medium acknowledges the colonial period of New Zealand’s history and the suppression of Māori culture that came with it, while the digital photos show where the country is today and the promise of where it could go.

The collodion wet plate process requires glass plates to be coated, sensitised, exposed, and developed within about fifteen minutes, necessitating a portable darkroom for use on location. This process offers a fascinating insight into the origins of photography – how history was shaped and potentially distorted through the lens and what this meant for colonialism.

Accompanying this exhibition is a video segment drawing on Michael’s connection with those who agreed to share their image with the world. Keen to learn more about the tā moko and how this formed the identity of the Māori people, Michael felt it was essential to capture their story in their words.

A photographer with over two decades of experience, Michael views this as his best work. Consulting with Māori from the very beginning and throughout the four-year journey was a very special collaboration experience.

Opening Night: Friday 3rd July 2026 – 5-7pm 

Michael Bradley is a Waikato-based commercial photographer creating bold, professional imagery for businesses across New Zealand. He specialises in commercial, corporate, event and sport photography – working on location throughout the Waikato and regularly with clients in Auckland.

Michael’s client portfolio includes major brands such as ANZ Bank, AIA NZ, Foodstuffs, and TVNZ, along with government agencies like the Ministry of Justice and Kāinga Ora. He also works with small and medium-sized businesses across a wide range of industries.

Known for his collaborative and efficient approach, Michael partners closely with clients to deliver high-impact visuals that tell a story and support their brand goals. In addition to his commercial work, Michael is the official photographer for Netball New Zealand and has photographed multiple Commonwealth Games and international sporting events.

Exhibition Timeline:

• Waitangi Museum (Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi), 2018
• Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre, Upper Hutt, 2020
• Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, Foxton, 2021
• Xposure International Photography Festival, Sharjah UAE, February 2025 – where it drew
  international recognition for its powerful reflection on Māori heritage, identity, and
  resilience.
• Creative Arts Napier, July 2026