Unlikely Beauty

March 6, 2017

Doing it natures way...


I accidentally discovered the Lincoln Wetlands while test flying my new Mavic Pro over the weekend. Who would have thought storm water treatment ponds could be so darn beautiful? 130 thousand natives were planted just five years ago, they've now taken hold and transformed the drainage area into a wetland sanctuary that performs an important function for the resident's of Lincoln township, while at the same time providing a new protected habitat for local birdlife. It's a win - win! 

Pictured in the background you'll see the Port Hills which suffered so badly during the recent fires, yes very different terrain and ecosystems, but we should take heart because what has been lost can be replanted and will eventually regenerate thanks to the help and hard work of such wonderful groups as Trees for Canterbury, the Summit Road Society, The Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust, and of course the local City council and other government agencies. Much has been lost but perhaps there is a silver lining, a growing sense of shared responsibility for the future protection and regeneration of what remains of our bush. It's reported that 90 percent of what was destroyed was privately owned land, including reserves.

By John Sellwood November 20, 2025
I was recently asked by Michael Mehaffey from www.thesouthernseries.com to film the 2025 Royal Canterbury A&P show with a focus on sheep and shearing. What a joy, a sheer pleasure if you will! Michael has a passion is to bring New Zealand sheep shearing to a global audience...
Documentary series preview
By John Sellwood September 20, 2025
Copyright RNZPA 2024. Lifting the kilt on kiwi pipe bands with a unique insight into the passion and dedication of New Zealand pipers and drummers. This Documentary/series follows four New Zealand pipe bands travelling to Scotland to compete against the best of the best at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. Nine thousand pipers and drummers gather annually for this global battle of the bands, and the kiwis want to make their mark.