Sustain - VITAL

Auckland Festival of Photography presents Vital Impacts as part of our exclusive international exhibitions for the ‘Sustain’ [tautīnei] theme.

We are pleased to bring to Auckland, for an exclusive season at Karanga Plaza, a nature and human habitat series as a highlight of the climate change projects on the city waterfront. Ami Vitale is an award-winning National Geographic photographer, filmmaker, and conservationist known for her powerful storytelling that highlights the deep connections between people, wildlife, and the environment. Throughout her career, she has traveled to over 100 countries, capturing stories of conflict, resilience, and hope. Her work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including World Press Photo awards, and she is a Nikon Ambassador and a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers.

Vitale’s latest project, VITAL, is a collaboration with Conservation International that invites viewers to witness the irreplaceable. Bringing together the work of seven international photographers, VITAL offers an intimate look at the critical ecosystems that hold vast stores of “irrecoverable carbon” —from mangroves and peatlands to old-growth forests. These landscapes are essential in the fight against climate change, and through stunning photography and storytelling, VITAL goes beyond the data to remind us of what is at stake and why urgent action is needed to protect these natural treasures. With support from Auckland Council City Centre Activation and Placemaking programme. Image credits - Ami Vitale 1) A blanket covers an intravenous catheter delivering fluids to a young elephant. This elephant, estimated to be about a month old, became separated from her herd after she fell into a well and couldn’t get out. 2) Samburu warriors stand on the edge of the Matthews range forest in Namunyak conservancy in Northern Kenya. This innovative community founded Reteti, to rehabilitate and re-wild orphaned elephants. Located in the 850,000-acre Namunyak Community Conservancy, it holds deep cultural ties for the Samburu people, who share a profound connection with elephants.

Ami Vitale - Young Elephant rescue