Beneath the Surface - A Fine Art Photography Exhibition by Melissa Palmer
Beneath The Surface - Fine Art Photography Exhibition
By Artist Melissa Palmer
🍂 12 September - 3 October
📍 Community Gallery Space – Franklin Arts Centre
✨ All Welcome
🎉 Opening Event: Saturday 13th September, 10am onwards
Beneath the Surface is a self-portrait series that narrates a mental health journey — beginning in light, falling into darkness and constraint, then emerging into a place of hope and freedom.
Each image is a fine art conceptual portrait, combining symbolism in nature, surreal elements, and delicate hand-stitched embroidery.
The work is created to encourage those facing mental health challenges — showing that light, strength, and new ways forward are always possible. It aims to leave viewers feeling encouraged, supported, and less alone in their own journeys.
👩🎨 Artist Bio
Melissa Palmer grew up in Onewhero, began photography in high school, and studied in Hawaii in 2014. At 19, she launched Nectar Photography and, over the past 12 years, has photographed more than 100 weddings alongside editorial, portrait, product, and event work.
✨ Beneath the Surface is her debut solo exhibition — a deeply personal body of work. The images are honest and reflective: an invitation to pause, breathe, and look beyond the surface.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Poll: Over summer, how do you reclaim your sense of home in the Waikato?
When tourists take over the streets and parking disappears, where do you find your calm?
Or is summer’s hustle something to enjoy rather than escape?
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40% I enjoy the summer hubbub!
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60% Please, give me some peace
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0% I escape the region during summer
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