“At the heart of every news article and photo is our need as humans to share stories with one another.”
The 40 images have been chosen to reflect Northland’s diversity and the unpredictable work of a regional reporter, from covering breaking news such as floods and fires to capturing portraits and cultural events.
Many photos were taken on Waitangi Day, which de Graaf said was one of the “most welcoming and photographically rewarding” events in the country.
The exhibition includes some of his favourites, such as a photo of Wiremu Keretene holding his mokopuna during a waka pageant in 2025, and a baby being rescued from floodwaters at Ōtiria in 2020.
De Graaf had no formal photography training but learned on the job after landing a role as the Bay of Islands reporter for the Northern Advocate.
His interest in photojournalism was sparked by travelling in Eastern Europe in the 1990s.
Returning home more than a decade later allowed him to see New Zealand, particularly the vibrancy of te ao Māori, with fresh eyes.
Turner Centre general manager Gerry Paul said de Graaf, who now works for RNZ, has spent years capturing the Far North through his lens.
“The big moments, the quiet relationships, the everyday life of our communities … each photograph tells a story of its own, and now we get to see those stories come together as one exhibition.
“Peter is a true pillar of our community, and we’re honoured to celebrate the remarkable body of work he’s built over his career here at the Turner Centre.”
Northland Exposed opens at the Turner Centre on November 2 and runs throughout the month. Entry is free.