The diverse and beautiful Mid & South Canterbury regions are home to 223 entries on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero.

Over the summer, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga’s photo competition encouraged photographers to capture these amazing listed locations across Waitaha Canterbury. The resulting exhibition showcases an impressive selection of images submitted by photographers ranging in skill level from amateur hobbyists to professional photographers.

The variation in these images is stunning, revealing the rich history of this region, where seasonal food gathering, agriculture and industry formed the bedrock of resourceful communities. Listed grand homesteads, Māori rock art sites, early farm buildings, cob cottages, churches, war memorials, hotels, main-street commercial buildings and industrial structures are spread throughout the Ashburton, Timaru, Waimate and Mackenzie districts.

Image: Aigantighe Art Gallery, image courtesy of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga