The images and narrative in New Zealand: An Island Journey by German-domiciled couple Karl Johaentges and Jackie Blackwood burst with enthusiasm and wonder.
Johaentges, a German-born architect, arrived in New Zealand in the mid-1980s during a global backpacking adventure.
He spent several months working for Wellington architect Ian Athfield and during this time was commissioned to photograph some of Athfield's work. Thus began a conversion to photography from the more rigid discipline of architecture.
Johaentges is now a widely published photographer and with Blackwood, his Scottish-born Australian wife, has developed a publishing company in Hamburg.
The couple return to New Zealand annually, crank up their Christchurch-stored four-wheel-drive camper van, then hit the byways to continue their exploration of our country.
Their affection for the country and its people is palpable.
Originally published by National Geographic Germany, the book begins with a succinct history of the country and then the journey begins, travelling from the South and arriving 240 pages later at Cape Reinga.
Along the way the pair drop in on the locals and these visits form a series of vignettes that lend the publication significantly more depth than a standard picture book could provide.
Otago people featured are restaurateur Fleur Sullivan, Taiaroa Head Department of Conservation ranger Lyndon Perriam and Ian ''Shark'' Sowden, the former Glenaray Station manager.
Johaentges' photography is never short of excellent, his architectural eye evident in many of the images' precise composition. That attention to detail is also reflected in his handling of low-light situations.
Masterly technique aside, the photographs are special simply because they exude the joy of seeing our land for the first time.
- Gerard O'Brien is an ODT photographer.
