- In the heart of Afghanistan
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By Ally Clelland, Defence Force Events Manager
Photographs taken in Afghanistan by Royal New Zealand Air Force photographer Sergeant Chris Weissenborn are one of the main features of an exhibition currently on show at Porirua’s Pataka museum.
Bamiyan in the heart of Afghanistan celebrates the Friendly City relationship between Bamiyan and Porirua City. The exhibition explores the history and culture of this strife-ridden region through local crafts, stories and photographic images.
The entrance of the exhibition is dominated by an impressive panorama of Bamiyan valley—a series of photographs taken by SGT Weissenborn that have been stitched together.
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SGT Weissenborn travelled to Afghanistan in August 2009.
“Afghanistan is a war zone and working in this area is risky business. Photographically speaking, Afghanistan is a really difficult location to work in, it’s very hot, extremely dusty, and not only did I need to carry all my photo gear, I was also carrying a lot of heavy military kit,” he said.
“On patrols you always have to remember that you’re an airman first and photographer second. It’s important that you assess any area you’re operating in first before you start shooting with the camera. Safety and looking after your mates around you is top priority.”
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The exhibition also features photos of Afghan children, landscapes, the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team in action, and a large photograph of the ‘physical training’ hill—all taken by SGT Weissenborn.
At the official opening of the exhibition on 25 February, Chief of Army, Major General Rhys Jones spoke of the 2,000 New Zealand Defence Force personnel who have served in Afghanistan since 2003 and how the place and the people have touched the hearts of everyone who has served there.
John Allen, the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered an impassioned speech telling the audience, “If someone asks you why we are in Afghanistan, show them this exhibition, then they will see that these people deserve a future.”
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The exhibition features a number of large portraits of Afghan people with quotes about their aspirations in life, a series of photo essays taken by young people from Bamiyan, and artwork by Bamiyan children. Also on display are handcrafts and musical instruments that will be donated to local Afghan residents once the exhibition finishes.
SGT Weissenborn spent 17 years in the Royal Air Force before emigrating to New Zealand to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force. He has worked for the Navy Photographic Unit at Devonport Naval base for the last four years. In that time he has travelled to Malaysia, Japan, Australia, and Afghanistan.
He said, “The best thing about my job is that every day is so different—you get opportunities to travel and get to meet some great people along the way. Public relations photography is my favourite type of work; as you’re capturing a moment in time that gives those involved a happy memory.”