Bob Smith’s photograph of Boston George Setefano (Ngāti Porou) has been chosen, alongside 80 other images from New Zealand, for the Four Nations Photographic Challenge.
The black-and-white photograph was taken in Waimumu in 2024, and Mr Smith said he was beyond surprised to have been selected.
"I couldn’t believe my eyes when the announcement came out," he said.
The life member of the Gore Camera Club said he had entered in previous years, but never heard anything back.
"Eyer in with the pretty top photographers in the country," he said.
Glenda Rees, also from Gore, has a shot selected as well.
Blue Mountain teacher Whaea Jaki Eales, who runs the kapa haka group Boston is the kaea (leader) of, said it was a privilege to see this photo of him.
"I think I could write a book on this young man," she said. "Boston has helped lead the way for young Māori to be proud to be Māori."
The cultural group is called Te Ahika Kapa Haka Hāpori, and is part of Te Ahika Māori Charitable Trust.
Mr Smith said the photos are sent to an independent association to be judged and the winners will be announced in September.
The competition includes photographers from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Canada, and the Photographic Society of New Zealand is this year’s host.
