Treasure of the West

In the 1970s, part of the Waitākere Ranges was nearly turned into a landfill. Today, it stands as one of Auckland’s most biodiverse ecosystems — a living testament to resilience. Beneath its lush canopy lies a complex and brutal history, marked by colonial disruption, deforestation, and cultural loss. From the once-dominant kauri forests felled by logging, to the enduring legacy of tangata whenua and conservationists alike, this land holds deep cultural and environmental significance. Its treasures are buried in the roots of history, whispered through the trees. This portfolio explores the history of the Waitākere Ranges — from pre-colonial times to the present — and is dedicated to those who fought, and continue to fight, for its protection. This is our Treasure of the West.