Eden Park turns into exhibition space
A photographic exhibition is set to launch at Eden Park, but it won’t be featuring any All Blacks.
Shot by Kingsland photographer Lee Howell, Our Neighbourhood features photos and stories of people involved with the legendary Auckland sports ground, which dates back to 1900.
However, Howell said he had not photographed a single athlete as the project was purely about the people off the pitch that make the ground special.
‘‘To hear people’s stories, to hear the passion that people have about this place and the memories, it’s been beautiful,’’ Howell said.
The project features a mix of residents, supporters, fans and even a few suppliers, he said.
‘‘It’s very much a community based project.’’
The exhibition was inspired by Howell’s Kingsland Project, an exhibition he ran in September which documented the faces and atmosphere of the vibrant Auckland suburb.
Eden Park general manager Nick Sautner saw the exhibition and approached Howell about doing something similar for Eden Park.
‘‘The stadium is revered by so many around the world and has such a rich history, it seemed an ideal opportunity,’’ Sautner said.
One of the faces of the exhibition is a pastor whose parents met at Eden Park.
Another is a long time member who recalls camping out at the gates to get the best seats for the 1966 Lions Tour.
The project is encouraging others to share their own Eden Park stories for a chance to win a 12-month membership for four people.
Sautner said this is because the stories in the exhibition barely scratch the surface of Eden