The “Friends of the Forest” exhibition of photographs by Piha-based photographer Heidi Padain opened last night at Arataki Visitor Centre (16 February 2018).

A good crowd of lovers of the Waitakeres gathered to admire the selection of intimate photographs of birds taken by Padain. Formidable tui, plump kereru and cute little smaller birds were shown in large images on the walls. Padain is able to get up close and personal with these birds at her Piha home and really captures their characteristics and personalities.

The exhibition runs till 2 April and is well worth a visit. The images are for sale and would look wonderful on your walls or as a gift.