Hard on the Heels Photography exhibition returns to Wairarapa

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Tuesday, 9 May 2017

HARD ON THE HEELS EXHIBITION RETURNS TO WAIRARAPA

The acclaimed photography exhibition Hard on the Heels, by leading New Zealand photojournalist Peter Bush, will return to Masterton this winter.

The exhibition will feature 95 of Bush’s personal favourite photos that were taken over an incredible 60-year period. The photos include great All Black moments, controversial and contentious moments and candid behind-the-scenes shots. It features All Black legends from Sir Brian Lochore, Bob Scott and Sir Wilson Whineray, to Ian Kirkpatrick, Colin Meads, Graham Mourie and Jonah Lomu, along with star players from other rugby nations.

The exhibition, was originally created to commemorate New Zealand's hosting of the Rugby World Cup 2011 and debuted at Aratoi - Wairarapa Museum of Art and History in 2010, before touring 13 locations around the country. It now returns to Masterton from June 3rd to July 9th 2017 to coincide with the country’s hosting of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series.

This time around, the exhibition will be presented in a unique way.

It will begin at Aratoi Museum, located on the corner of Dixon and Bruce Streets in Masterton, then follow a trail with photographs and rugby balls appearing in the shop-front windows along Queen Street before concluding at the oldest bookstore in Masterton, Hedley’s. Here a large collection of photographs will be on display as well as the rare book The Lions: The Complete History of The British and Irish Rugby Union Team 1888 – 2005 and over 100 other specialty rugby books.

Aratoi’s acting director, Susanna Shadbolt, says it’s a privilege to have Hard on the Heels return to Masterton and describes it as a must-see for all sports and photography fans.

“Photographer Peter Bush is a national treasure,” Shadbolt says. “His images are a must-see for all photography aficionados. Seven years ago, his exhibition at Aratoi was very popular among locals and tourists alike, and our Museum welcomes everyone to come to Masterton and enjoy this newly designed exhibition.”

Hard on the Heels will also be held at the same time as Aratoi’s major exhibition of the year: Te marae o Rongotaketake - Redressing our Kahungunu History, which is the largest exhibition of Ngāti Kahungunu taonga ever on display. This exhibition features 200 historical items, including 70 taonga from the museum’s collection, and items sourced nationally and internationally. Aratoi Museum is proud to serve as the site for the initialling of the Ngāti Kahungunu Treaty settlement deed.

“The fact that Hard on the Heels will be held alongside Te marae o Rongotaketake will provide an incredible opportunity for visitors to the Wairarapa to discover two significant facets of New Zealand life – one a sporting perspective through the lens of Peter Bush, and the other an important period of Wairarapa history. Visitors will see New Zealand taonga not seen anywhere else.”

Peter Bush started working on the sidelines as a young cadet for the New Zealand Herald in 1949, at a game between the All Blacks and the Wallabies. Since then, he has photographed hundreds of matches at home and overseas, enjoying privileged access to the All Black teams, both on and off the field. His links to the Wairarapa have continued in recent years as he photographed the Hurricanes play their annual Super Rugby pre-season fixture in the region.

He is thrilled the exhibition is returning to Masterton over the winter and is looking forward to the DHL New Zealand Lions Series.

“I’m so pleased to see the British and Irish Lions spirit is still strong. When they come to New Zealand they bring a wonderful supportive contingent with them and it’s marvellous when they put on their scarlet jerseys and white shorts and lift themselves up. It always amazes me how well they play together when the team is only announced a few months before,” says Peter Bush.

Hard on the Heels has been brought to Masterton due to the generosity and partnership between Aratoi and the Masterton District Council and generous support from Masterton Trust Lands Trust, Trust House and Exhibition Services.

DETAILS:
WHAT: Hard on the Heels photography exhibition by Peter Bush

WHERE: Begins at Aratoi - Wairarapa Museum of Art and History.

12 Bruce St, Masterton

Follow the rugby balls down Queen Street to view the exhibition which finishes at Hedley’s Bookstore.

WHEN: June 3rd – July 9th 2017

WHAT: Te marae o Rongotaketake - Redressing our Kahungunu History

WHERE: Aratoi - Wairarapa Museum of Art and History.

12 Bruce St, Masterton

WHEN: April 8th – September 3rd 2017

ENDS

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