Calling Home: Cath Lealand in Tokyo
Cath Lealand left New Zealand in her early 20s and has called Tokyo home for the past decade. Now working as
a freelance translator and model
, the former Hamiltonian joins Jim to share what it's like living in one of the world's busiest and most fascinating cities — a sprawling metropolis of 14 million people.
Photo:
Morio, CC BY-SA 3.0

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Scoop
9 hours ago
- Scoop
2025 Auckland Photo Day – North Shore Grandmother's Capture Beats The Odds
Press Release – Auckland Festival of Photography Auckland Festival of Photography's annual 24-hour day in the life of Auckland – TāmakiMakaurau competition took place over 24 hours Friday 6th to Saturday 7th June, with the hundreds of entries submitted adding to an archive of more than 15,000 unique images of Auckland – TāmakiMakaurau taken since the competition began. Sarah, a grandmother and avid photography enthusiast, says 'Can't believe it, it was such a fluke that I was there, as my daughter was stuck in traffic Friday afternoon and asked me to go and pick up my grandson, who is 11 years old after his rugby practice at Silverdale Rugby Club, so I wasn't expecting to be there and I didn't use my DSLR as I didn't have it with, this was taken on my phone!' Our judge's comment: 'A everyday scene of a child after a sporting event in Auckland's North Shore, the photographer capturing a fleeting image of this kid's journey. The composition is excellent: lots of angles and geometries, shades of green and the child's posture, as if burdened by the expectations of what the day might hold. The sign on the nearby container saying, 'You Can Do Anything', while a cherry picker and a sewer sit on the upper frame add a touch of humour and depth.' Judges for the 2025 Auckland Photo Day were Alex Burton, Photojournalist, Janette Dalley, Director Visuals, Freelance and Federico Monsalve, former editor D Photo Magazine. Jiongxin said 'This photo was taken at Hobsonville Point, on Saturday morning after the market in the morning, this was a family moment being shared with a 'selfie' of the group. I like the group scene and it's a photography moment, so it's really good to win this prize' Judge's comment: 'Candid and relaxed, this image demonstrates a good command of technical skills. It stands out as an excellent example of street photography, capturing a moment that invites the viewer to ask questions — about the scene, the people, and the unfolding story. The judges appreciated how it reflects the rich multicultural character of the City of Sails.' Nathan said 'I run this event, Motor Sport Club from University of Auckland at Smales Farm, Takapuna, it's a car fan meet up where everyone enjoys looking at these classic motors, I was documenting the event, and this one was a spur of the moment shot of this awesome car'. Judge's comment: 'Shows strong lines and clever use of framing and colour to incorporate both people and car' Congratulations to the winners and those selected in our annual Top 30 collection for Auckland Photo Day. We hope you enjoy the judge's picks. If you want to be the judge you can vote in our People's Choice prize for your favourite photo from the judges long list, they selected these from all entries and so it's your turn to pick your favourites. The announcement of 2025's Auckland Photo Day winners marks the end of 2025's successful festival, which included more than 85+ online, in venue and outdoor exhibitions across the region, including many exploring the 'Sustain' theme. Some exhibitions continue this weekend Festival events and activities can be found on our calendar.


Scoop
10 hours ago
- Scoop
2025 Auckland Photo Day – North Shore Grandmother's Capture Beats The Odds
Auckland Festival of Photography's annual 24-hour day in the life of Auckland - TāmakiMakaurau competition took place over 24 hours Friday 6th to Saturday 7th June, with the hundreds of entries submitted adding to an archive of more than 15,000 unique images of Auckland - TāmakiMakaurau taken since the competition began. Sarah, a grandmother and avid photography enthusiast, says "Can't believe it, it was such a fluke that I was there, as my daughter was stuck in traffic Friday afternoon and asked me to go and pick up my grandson, who is 11 years old after his rugby practice at Silverdale Rugby Club, so I wasn't expecting to be there and I didn't use my DSLR as I didn't have it with, this was taken on my phone!" Our judge's comment: 'A everyday scene of a child after a sporting event in Auckland's North Shore, the photographer capturing a fleeting image of this kid's journey. The composition is excellent: lots of angles and geometries, shades of green and the child's posture, as if burdened by the expectations of what the day might hold. The sign on the nearby container saying, 'You Can Do Anything', while a cherry picker and a sewer sit on the upper frame add a touch of humour and depth.' Judges for the 2025 Auckland Photo Day were Alex Burton, Photojournalist, Janette Dalley, Director Visuals, Freelance and Federico Monsalve, former editor D Photo Magazine. Jiongxin said "This photo was taken at Hobsonville Point, on Saturday morning after the market in the morning, this was a family moment being shared with a 'selfie' of the group. I like the group scene and it's a photography moment, so it's really good to win this prize" Judge's comment: "Candid and relaxed, this image demonstrates a good command of technical skills. It stands out as an excellent example of street photography, capturing a moment that invites the viewer to ask questions — about the scene, the people, and the unfolding story. The judges appreciated how it reflects the rich multicultural character of the City of Sails." Nathan said "I run this event, Motor Sport Club from University of Auckland at Smales Farm, Takapuna, it's a car fan meet up where everyone enjoys looking at these classic motors, I was documenting the event, and this one was a spur of the moment shot of this awesome car". Judge's comment: "Shows strong lines and clever use of framing and colour to incorporate both people and car" Congratulations to the winners and those selected in our annual Top 30 collection for Auckland Photo Day. We hope you enjoy the judge's picks. If you want to be the judge you can vote in our People's Choice prize for your favourite photo from the judges long list, they selected these from all entries and so it's your turn to pick your favourites. The announcement of 2025's Auckland Photo Day winners marks the end of 2025's successful festival, which included more than 85+ online, in venue and outdoor exhibitions across the region, including many exploring the 'Sustain' theme. Some exhibitions continue this weekend Festival events and activities can be found on our calendar.

RNZ News
14 hours ago
- RNZ News
Major Cardrona Alpine Resort expansion almost ready to open
Shimmering high on the Queenstown horizon, an expansive off-map ski basin that, for years, existed only in whispers and long-term plans is finally ready to be revealed. Skiers and snowboards were praying the snow gods delivered in time for Cardrona Alpine Resort's planned opening of Soho Basin on 28 June, marking the culmination of years of painstaking planning and tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure investment. Cardrona and Treble Cone chief mountains officer Laura Hedley said the project had involved technical backcountry building work, helicopter missions and meticulous tussock replanting. "We don't often get to open up new terrain in New Zealand, so we are so excited about being able to open this up to our guests, let them explore a bit more of these beautiful mountains," she said. Chief mountains officer for Cardrona and Treble Cone Laura Hedley. Photo: Supplied The basin was tucked over the ridge from Cardrona's main slopes, high on the Queenstown horizon on a south-facing aspect. Punctuated by rocks and ridgelines, Soho Basin expanded Cardrona's total footprint by a quarter, making it the biggest ski area in the country. Hedley said it would mostly cater to intermediate and advanced riders. "It's really rolly and playful," she said. "We tried to keep it as natural as possible, because the terrain itself is amazing. "People will have this experience where they go basin to basin. You can get from Soho Basin to Captain's Basin, then across to the main basin. "You'll be able to ski in different places, eat in different places - it's going to feel like a whole different resort." Soho Basin's new high-speed, six-seater, 1.2 km chairlift. Photo: Supplied Planning for Soho Basin began in 2015, followed by a 2018 agreement to use land owned by Land Information New Zealand. A new high-speed, six-seater, 1.2km chairlift called Soho Express took two years to build, with towers brought in by a Black Hawk helicopter, because there was no road access. As the area was landscaped, Hedley said staff tried to leave the smallest possible mark on the environment. "We made sure that every time we took out a tussock, we replanted it," she said. Soho Basin's new high-speed, six-seater, 1.2 km chairlift. Photo: Supplied The project had driven development across the rest of the mountain, including a new T-bar ski lift, retail store and noodle bar, Hedley said. "We needed to make sure we had enough carparks, enough food and beverage seating, that our rentals [facility] was upgraded, that our infrastructure was upgraded," she said. "We've had some challenges. We didn't get every consent we wanted in time and that's okay. "It's a multi-year project, so things like the water reservoir for snowmaking, we'll do next year, but we do have the infrastructure in place already and we do have snow guns on. "We haven't quite finished yet, but this is definitely the big one." Cardrona's main slopes opened on 14 June. Photo: Supplied Along with snow guns, signage and a new ski patrol hut, staff had settled on eight names for new runs, including Sunny Side, Snow Farmer and Showtime. Ski patroller Shane Adams said staff started preparing the area for public access last year. "The snow safety specialists got to come in, and did quite a lot of work to look for avalanche paths and build their avalanche atlas, and all those sorts of things, which is really cool," he said. Adams said he recalled a lot of talk about the ski area one day expanding over the mountain, when he worked at Cardrona in 2015. "To be back here again and actually have that happen is pretty cool. I'm pretty excited," he said. Soho Basin could open at the start of school holidays, if snow coverage improved. Skier Sam Redwood was already eyeing up the possibilities. "I don't want to give away too many secrets, but I know some spots," he said. "My mate's been scoping out some really good lines down it and I'm really keen to hit those." Long-time Cardrona skier Will Murrell was also looking forward to trying out Soho's slopes. "The thought of a bunch of new stuff here is just awesome," he said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.