Melissa Banks Photographer

30/08/2021

Sorting through my images and I’ve realised I haven’t shared any from the Kapa Haka regionals. Here are my two older girls standing proud with their awesome rōpū - Puaha Te Tai. So much emotion for us all, I don’t see much when I photograph them. 😭❤️
@ Nelson, New Zealand

27/08/2021

Thinking of everyone who is affected by cancer. 💛

25/08/2021

A lovely distraction to these weird times. I’m so stoked to have 5 photos awarded Highly Commended and 1 Commended in the Australia and Aotearoa based Mono Awards. 🖤🤍
@ Nelson, New Zealand

18/08/2021

For our first day back in lockdown here’s a bright photo for you all. Be kind to yourself and don’t buy all the toilet paper.

09/08/2021

Thwack of poi, rustle of skirts and waiata sung with passion as hundreds perform in front of family and friends.

06/08/2021

04/08/2021

This is what pure love and joy looks like. When a pēpi notices their Māmā 💕
@ Nelson, New Zealand

09/07/2021

Loved photographing the talented weaving with pohuehue.

01/07/2021

Ngā mihi o te tau hou! It’s the Māori New Year which is a time and for reflection, planning the coming year and a time to remember those who have past.
I went on a mission this morning with to try and capture Matariki and the beautiful crisp morning of Nelson sure did deliver.
From the middle and slightly to the left you can see the cluster of Matariki. It shows the nine visible stars Matariki, Tupuārangi, Waipuna-ā-Rangi, Waitī, Tupuānuku, Ururangi, Waitā, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi.
You can also see Puanga shining brightly above Orion (the pot). It's said that Puanga draws a line under the year that's been and Matariki opens the door for the year ahead of us.
We thanked Matariki for letting us see them all so brightly. So here’s to a good year ahead for you all whānau x

30/06/2021

I walked past the Nelson botanical gardens the other day and there were so many monarch butterflies all over this flowering plant. Had to bring my camera back the next day to capture it. Thought people might need a bright image with all the winter weather hitting the country. Keep warm everyone 💙