Vibrant images captured by young New Zealanders in a new exhibition invite viewers to experience the diversity of Asia's tranquil landscapes, bustling cities, mouth-watering food and warm smiles.
Once Upon a Time in Asia opens at the Creative Tauranga Gallery on February 16 and runs until March 6.
It conveys thetravels and experiences of members from the Asia New Zealand Foundation's Young Leaders Network.
The network consists of more than 300 talented young people, based here and in Asia, who are helping to forge New Zealand's relationship with Asian countries.
The images showcased in Once Upon a Time in Asia were taken in diverse settings - vast deserts in the western Chinese province of Xinjiang; lush landscapes in south-east Asia and crowded streets in some of the world's most exciting cities. The photos are accompanied with stories written by the young leaders, explaining how the images relate to their personal experiences of Asia, whether studying, living, working or backpacking.
"The exhibition is made up of photographs that don't just depict a scene or an image, they represent a story and a connection that the young leaders made with Asia. That's an ongoing connection," says Vanessa Lee, director of the foundation's education programme.
"These images will excite people to learn more about Asia, and maybe even visit some of the places they see in the photographs."
Once Upon a Time in Asia is being held to coincide with a reunion of the Young Leaders Network from February 23 to 26. Tauranga will host the event in recognition of its status as a key region for Asia, through the education sector and companies such as Zespri and Comvita.
