Anyone for some steaming hot chips?

My wife told me to turn the car around and snap this image, which ending up winning national awards in New Zealand, Australia and France (geothermal Ohaaki Power Station cooling tower – 105m high).

South Island smoking pipe-stacks, cooking ‘hot chips’ inside the factory near the state highway.

Thundercat Racing National Surfcross series at Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach.

 “Watch out for my right-hand when I fight in the ring for the professional heavyweight title in Fiji.” – Amosa / Samoan-Fijian boxer.

Nice cutback from rising young local talent – “Looking forward to craving up some comps.” – Kayden

“I believe this is one of the cheapest forms of motorsports in New Zealand” – said, Mower Racer Rider (competing at the annual Ride On Mower Day at Omokoroa No.1 School). 

Lycoming 400 HP Piston Engine.1.1 tonne fertiliser and spray payload plane over the crowd at an exciting Air Show.

“You do not hit the ball, you hit the sand behind the ball and don’t try to “pick” the ball out of the trap,” – Mount Maunganui golfer.

“I have been working with blowing glass for 40+ years and I never get tired of the smell of the flame hitting the glass or craftsmanship involved in each piece I create.” – Geoff. He spends eight months of the year on the road with his wife, Leonie, traveling all over New Zealand following the Gypsy Fair – they have done this for the past 19 years.

“Washing oil off Blue Penguins is not easy, but the rewards of releasing one back into the ocean is the least we can do” – Peter.

“It doesn’t matter how big the waves are, if the westerly is blowing, you will get air” – Mike.

Pod of Ironmen.

“I love the feeling of new spring blossoms in my hands.” – Jade

Great White captured jumping out the water in the distance.

Rising from the deep with a high scoring snapper.

Coming round the corner at high-speed – what a ‘wall of water!’

“Just hanging on is a big part of this sport and having a good runner coming back into the beach.” – Stingray Crew

“Its all part of the game getting sand in your face.” – Yoyo

Evening sun rays shine through hundreds of swimmers at the start of the Half Ironman.

“It feels refreshing to get out in the sun again at the start of the summer, but even better when you hose off to get cool.” – Mandy

“It’s a buzz that I never get tired of when going up for an aerial off the top of a wave.” – Matt

Royal New Zealand Air force

“Your shoes get wet, and that slows you down a little in this event, but apart from that, its a real challenge.” – Alice

“When the surf is big on competition day, you just have to gun-it through the waves and go for it.” – Tauranga Surf Boat Team

“It really tests the skill levels of the rugby players in such wet conditions.” – Rugby Ref

The feeling of movement.

“The sand feels like sandpaper funny enough, but you get use to it after a while.” – Jill

“When the surf is smaller than usual, I just like cutting up the waves.” – Martin

4th of July.

“Getting thrown off your surfboard isn’t all bad, as long as you fall off gracefully.” – Jessie

“Powering through the waves is a real buzz and riding the wave back in, is even better.” – Jack & Jared

“I have been smoking for over 40yrs and I enjoy the feeling it gives me and I am happy.” – Pauline

“Not giving way is one of the mayor problems on our roads today.” – Firefighter Tim

“These old girls have seen too many season, but they are so comfortable.” – Paul

“Getting your ball in the bunker isn’t all bad, I quite enjoy the art-form of the shot.” – Nick

“Nothing like craving it up after work in the evening light.” – Tom

“I feel at home on the sand and hot days make me play better.” – Andrew

Not all things need to be photographed ‘head-on!’

“Playing Volleyball gives me a sense of freedom when diving through the sand to get the ball.” – Jackie.

” It felt like I was swimming in a pool of chocolate.” – Boy Scout, Tom.

At the Fairy House with bubbles blasting.

World Ranked kitesurfer  gets some air out training in the big surf.

Evening tricks at the local Skate Park as the sun goes down.

Last days as a Firefighter.

“Having a blast with a remote-control Hydroplane speed boat is the closest thing to owning the real thing.” – Jake.

The Red Checkers Aerobatic Display team in action.

Bubbles at the park.