A river runs through it: Photographer is 'living his dream'

A strong connection with Whanganui River is at the centre of Charles Ranginui's own journey and he has just held his first exhibition of photographs at the Whanganui arts centre.

Called Puna Wai - Water is Life, the exhibition focused on the beauty and life force of the awa.

Mr Ranginui was born and raised at Koriniti. His was a rural upbringing, working on farms, in the bush and in forestry. He is also a musician, an amateur photographer and a storyteller.

In 1992 he was inspired to be a river guide by his elder brothers and the legends of the Parinui kainga (village) and his ancient ancestors. He's been guiding since then.

At first Mr Ranginui used cheap cameras to create a library of pictures recording a history of his time as a Whanganui River guide.

These days he uses modern technology to make photographs and the internet to exhibit, communicate with family and friends and make new friends.

"My goal is to capture what the awa is like and strive for nice, crispy photographs.

"Sometimes it's hard work if I am climbing slippery rocks all day. It requires fitness - paddling, creating when not guiding," he said.

The exhibition shared views of te Awa o Whanganui that could be seen only by paddling its reaches.

Mr Ranginui said he was "living my romantic dream of standing in the footprints of my tupuna [grandfathers] and leaving a footprint for the moko to see what koro Charles was up to back in the day."

He said the awa provided so many blessings - physically, spiritually, visually - "and it fills the sense and the soul".

His photographs exude a peaceful beauty. They show just how well he knows the awa.

"It's a threshold to cross and to be transformed by the adventure," he said.

Puna Wai - Water is Life finished yesterday.