1077 days ago

Award-winning teen photographer captures worlds the eye can't see

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

Kia ora neighbours,

When D’Artagnan Sprengel was just nine, he had a go with a little blue Canon point-and-shoot camera, getting up close with nearby fungi.

Nearly six years later, he’s an internationally-recognised photographer, whose accolades include a commendation from the global Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.

The 15-year-old Bombay resident’s work was recently shown alongside photographers from all over the world at an exhibition in Hamilton.

His highly-commended photograph was of a daisy, weighed down by frost and barely keeping its head up.

Sprengel says he has always loved nature. Now that he’s capturing it from behind a powerful DSLR lens – a gift for his 11th birthday – he can see things the eye cannot.

“It shows a difference perspective. Like a spider, which people don’t like, it can show that they’re awesome, they’re fluffy and cute sometimes. They are a lovely and beautiful creature.”

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Stand-Out Festive Decor: Build a Big DIY Nutcracker

The Team from Resene ColorShop Pukekohe

Whip up a larger-than-life nutcracker and have it standing guard to greet guests this Christmas. This is an ideal opportunity to repurpose last year’s baubles, leftover Resene paint testpots and leftover materials from previous projects. You could use an old cardboard box for the body and cover it in fabric scraps. Find out how to make your own nutcracker with these easy step by step instructions.

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3 hours ago

Vandalism is costing ratepayers - what can be done to better protect our public spaces?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Vandals have repeatedly damaged public amenities across the Waikato District, leaving ratepayers to pick up the bill. So far in 2025, the cost has climbed to nearly $123,000, reports the Waikato Times.

The council is urging residents to report vandalism as soon as possible.
If you witness vandalism in progress, please contact the police immediately.

We want to know: Do you have ideas on how we can better protect our public spaces?

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3 hours ago

Get painting and wallpapering - Sale now on at Resene ColorShops!

Resene

For a limited time only save the GST value on Resene premium paints, wood stains, wallpaper and decorating accessories at Resene ColorShops. Find out more

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