Despite being told by many other travellers and kiwis that Auckland was not the most scenic or attractive place to visit, I have fallen in love with it. I have always been a big city person, and often used to visit my cousin in Hackney when I lived in the UK (I haven’t found a city quite like London just yet though).

I arrived in Auckland on the 20th of December and Karangahape road was one of the first locations that had a vibe I liked; there are always so many interesting faces sauntering around there.

I started to think about what time would be best to capture the real essence of K road, and after a night out in the CBD, I realised that Auckland burns brightest in the early hours.

The self-proclaimed bodyguard of the Maori hookers of K road. She told me the Maori people have the Ark of the Covenant.

I need to stop being a pussy and start taking pictures of people without their permission. As compelling as some pictures may be, I always think that when a subject has no idea you’re taking a shot, you can freeze them in a moment of pure emotion. Hopefully it doesn’t result in me getting a hiding!

A passerby with an SS Gestapo tattoo on his face

I am going to spend more time on K road at midnight. It would be awesome to get a collection of images of locals and regulars, and to find out their stories.