Travellers Tales with David Jack & Bruce Watson

Both David Jack and Bruce Watson have recently been travelling in sensitive areas of Europe, which allowed them to share some informed observations on issues of today’s world.

David and Liz started in Turkey, sharing images of Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya, Genniler Island, a waypoint of Christian pilgrimages, then Hagia Sophia in Istanbul – the former Christian temple that is now a mosque, but where mosaics were preserved – an illustration of how respectful co-existence is possible. They then went on to a cycling tour of Poland, sharing photos of Krakow not destroyed in WW2 – and Warsaw which was levelled by the Germans, then subsequently rebuilt following the images of Canaletto paintings.

Poland had existed as a kingdom since 1400 but was divided at the Vistula between Russia and Prussia in 1793, then re-established as a country after the Treaty of Versailles. Feelings remain very raw following terrible 20^th century events, which starting with the Katyn massacre of the country’s leaders in 1940, the1944 Warsaw uprising where 200,000 died. 50 subsequent years of Soviet occupation were followed by the Smolensk disaster of 2010 – a suspicious plane crash, that again wiped out so many leaders.

Tarsealed stopbanks along the Vistula are ideal for cycling, through countryside where the Nazis established five large extermination camps – including Belzec, where trains went directly to gas chambers killing 2000 people per day. Churches remained during the communist period but were not operating. The selection of Pope John Paul became a profound source of national pride, then membership of the EU was transformational. Poles still own their land, while the country has a 67% home ownership rate.

Rotary Club of Auckland World Press Photo Exhibition.

The Rotary Club of Auckland would love to let your members know about our major fundraiser for the year – the World Press Photo exhibition, which is on now in the Auckland CBD. 

We’ve been bringing the exhibition to Auckland since 2010, and want to make it the biggest success yet. We’d love the support of our Rotary family, and we’re hoping you might consider forwarding the details to your club members. We’d love to see them there! 

What’s the World Press Photo Exhibition?

The annual World Press Photo contest has recognised professional press and documentary photographers since it began in 1955. The winning entries from each category across six regions form this incredible exhibition. This year it includes a series of photos shot in New Zealand by NZ-based photographer Tatsiana Chypsanava, as well as a retrospective celebrating 70 years of World Press Photo. 

When and where?

On now until Sunday 24 August

• Sundays - Tuesdays: 10.30am - 6.00pm
• Wednesdays - Saturdays: 10.30am - 6.30pm

At 131 Queen St, Auckland CBD  (type 131A Queen St Auckland Central into Google Maps)
NOTE: Not Smith & Caughey’s as it has been in the past.

How much?

Adults  $25  |  Seniors $20  |  Students  $15

(Due to the nature of some of the images, we recommend it may not be suitable for under 13s.)

We also offer reduced rates for groups of 10 or more, on weekdays.  

You can purchase tickets on Eventfinda, or at the door. 

Thank you for your support – we hope to see you there. of Auckland - World Press Photo exhibition