Eden Park photography exhibition
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Susan “Bubs” Campbell whose Eden Park role has helped her connect with people
Eden Park is bringing the stories of its community to life through a special photographic exhibition launching this month.
And as part of the project, the stadium is encouraging others to share their own Eden Park stories and be in with the chance to win a 12-month membership for four people.
The ‘Our Neighbourhood’ project, which will adorn the walls and halls of Eden Park for the next 12 months, combines portraits by local photographer Lee Howell with the stories from some of the many individuals who make up the stadium’s community.
The photographs and accompanying stories will be revealed to the public in a free exhibition on Sunday 28 May from 10am to 2pm.
Eden Park General Manager Commercial Nick Sautner says the exhibition is a celebration of community, place and a passion for sport through the eyes of their team, supporters, local businesses and neighbours.
“I was captivated by an exhibition featuring the faces and people of Kingsland by a local photographer and wanted to extend the project into Eden Park to tell our own stories,” he says.
Sautner says the exhibition presents some compelling stories and images: “There is the local pastor whose parents met at Eden Park – his mother rejected his father’s advances and only agreed to go on a date if his father scored a try and converted it at Eden Park; plus a long-term member who remembers camping out at the gates to get the best seats during the 1966 Lions Tour.”
Local pastor Geoff Wicklund whose parents met at Eden Park reflects on their wedding photo
Photographer Lee Howell says his passion lies in working with people and creating portraits that glow with a natural warmth whilst capturing a person’s true character.
“For me, ‘Our Neighbourhood’ is about doing exactly that – showcase the essence of the Eden Park community, its stories and personalities.”
Sautner believes the exhibition which will see the images – some as large as 3.6m wide – displayed around the stadium, is the first of its kind in a major sports stadium.
“These stories barely scratch the surface of Eden Park’s rich history and community, which is why we are encouraging anyone and everyone who has had anything to do with the stadium to share their own story with us between now and Wednesday 31 May.”
Anyone wishing to enter can share their story on Eden Park’s Facebook page or on their own page with the hashtag #ouredenparktoday.
The winner will be drawn on 1 June and will receive a 12-month Eden Park membership for four people, including admission to all three Eden Park matches in New Zealand’s most eagerly anticipated rugby tour since 2005.
Eden Park GM Commerical Nick Sautner (left) and photgrapher Lee Howell working on the Our Neighbourhood exhibition
Event details
What: Our Neighbourhood, free public exhibition
When: Sunday 28 May, 10am – 2pm.
Where: Eden Park, Reimers Avenue, Kingsland