Fifty years at the forefront of photography

Longlisted for the 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards

Mark Adams is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s foremost photographers. His focus on Samoan tatau, Māori–Pākehā interactions in Rotorua, carved meeting houses, locations of significance for Ngāi Tahu in Te Waipounamu, and Captain James Cook’s landing sites reflect his deep engagement with our postcolonial and Pacific histories.

This first-ever comprehensive survey of his work honours one of our most distinguished — and continually compelling — photographers. It includes photographs taken across the Pacific, the United Kingdom and Europe that explore the migration of artistic and cultural practices across the globe, and examine the role of museums, and photography itself, in this dynamic and ongoing cross-cultural exchange.

To look inside, click here.

‘Full-page and double spreads of gloriousness’ — Jessie Neilson, Otago Daily Times

‘A magnificent survey of Mark Adams’ 50-year career’ — New Zealand Listener

‘Beautifully crafted’ —  Lyn Potter, NZ Booklovers

‘A handsome, rich new book’ — North & South

‘A stylish, superbly-designed production’ — John Daly-Peoples, NZ Arts Review

‘Images that feel like invitations’ — Catherine Woulfe, NZ Geographic