What I’d do

Tony Bridge

1 Saturday morning I’m up with the birds and catching up with my e-world, then it’s down to one of my two favourite cafes — the Boatshed Cafe in Rawene to gulp down a “superlatte”, or the Sandfly in Te Anau for a catch-up with friends. facebook.com/boatshedcaferawene/ facebook.com/Sandfly-Cafe121495891284054/

2 It’s Sunday, 5am and I’m stepping into my warmest gear — merinos, down jacket, boots and snowboard pants. Then begins the ritual of checking my camera gear for the millionth time, setting up my safety harness and then a karakia y as I psych myself up for a shoot with Nga¯ i Tahu’s Ka¯ Huru Manu project. I’m about to go up in a helicopter and hang out the open door with only one chance to get the perfect shot. kahurumanu.co.nz/about-us

3 Strapped in a few minutes later, clipped into the machine by a bit of a safety-certified, nylon umbilical — and we’re off. Did I mention I have no head for heights, but who am I kidding? I’m doing what I really love, and what better way to go out than that. Eventually the chopper touches ground and the blades clatter to a halt and I’ll step safely back out on to Papatu¯ a¯ nuku.

4 Sunday evening is reclining with a glass of Hawke’s Bay merlot while working on my next book or sorting through the shots of the day. Then it’s a chance to pop outside and spend some time with the stars and express a little gratitude. With Matariki it’s all about endings and beginnings, so it’s good timing to reflect on those stars — plus maybe snap a photo or two. thistonybridge.com/fujifilm-x.com/photographers/tony-bridge/

Tony Bridge is a Ma¯ ori artist and Fujifilm X-photographer, currently working with Nga¯ i Tahu on a project to map the traditional Ma¯ ori place names and stories within the tribal area.