Photographers seeking more veterans

David Irwin, RSA, Featherston

Featherston photographer couple Terry Hann and Esther Bunning are still on the lookout for any World War II veterans who want to be part of a nationwide portrait project.

Mr Hann said his wife had taken four or five portraits and he'd taken four portraits of veterans living in Wairarapa, including former Greytown mayor Richard Harding.

Nationwide 1600 photos of WWII veterans have been taken, since the project started on Anzac Day, and gifted by the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers (NZIPP) to the RSA.

Mr Hann, as commercial director for the institute, has been heavily involved in the project which saw more than 100 photographers volunteer to take the photos nationwide.

He said it had been a privilege for them to use their profession to recognise the contribution of New Zealand's veterans.

"It's been absolutely delightful, their faces are full of character and history," Mr Harding said.

He said photographers heard some remarkable stories of war.

"The end result is more moving than we could have imagined.

"The portraits are simple but extraordinarily powerful."

Mr Hann said most of the veterans were in their 90s and sadly some of them had died since having their photo taken.

"We've been working hard to capture portraits before we lose more of our heroes."

He said if there were any others out there, they would be happy to photograph them.

Each veteran receives a presentation print of their portrait.

RSA chief executive, David Moger said they would create a digital archive for veterans, families, and New Zealand's generations to come.

"A picture is worth a thousand words and thanks to NZIPP and the veterans who took part, we now have 1600 pictures telling individual stories of service, courage, character and life."

He said they would work with NZIPP to bring the collection to the public. Mr Hann said a travelling exhibition could come to Wairarapa.

If you are a veteran interested in being photographed or know a veteran, contact Mr Hann on 027 4862 862 or email terry@nzphotos.co.nz.