Photogrpahy is being used to shine a light on hope and highlight the impact on current times are having on young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Families gathered together at the Tauranga Cities Library, He puna Manawa on the weeekend for the opening ceremony of Tūmanako: Through the Lens of Hope photographic exhibition.

Tūmanako was created in 2015 when Wellington City Council approached SGINZ to create an event to remember Hiroshima Day.

SGINZ is a buddhist organisation that promotes peace through individual transformation and contribution to society.

Tūmanako has become an annual event where tamariki and rangatahi create works of art to share their aspirations for a peaceful, inclusive and nuclear free world.

The event has since grown and has been held across Aotearoa. This is the second time Tūmanako has been held in the Western Bay of Plenty.

Tūmanako -Through the Lens of Hope is an opportunity for young people to think about, create and share their photographic images of hope with the community. 

The aim of Tūmanako is to support our community to feel hope and connection during these uncertain times, and that rangatahi and tamariki realize how much their lives can inspire others in time of need.  

Students from schools, kindergartens and colleges in Papamoa, Katikati, Waihi Beach and Tauranga submitted photos of something that gave them hope and an explanation of why their photo makes them feel hope.

Joanna Thomas, Tauranga City Libraries manager spoke at the exhibition, 'The name of this place was gifted by the hapu (tribal family) of Ngai Tamarawaho to signify the springs that nourished this land for hundreds of years.  In Māori language, puna means spring.  The library aspires to be a spring of learning and so it is appropriate to be a spring of hope with the exhibition of Tūmanko.'

Lucas Hogg (aged 5), Gia Varsha Naidu (Year 6) from Golden Sands School and Dylan Brown from Matahui School talked about why their photo gave them hope.

"This is my dog. He is called Champ and he is my brother. He has looked after me since I was a baby. He is my hero because he keeps me safe and he likes to play with me. Champ is special because he's strong and loving," says Lucas.

Gia shared a poem that she had written about her photograph: 

‘Small stream, flowing with might,

Over rocks and through light.

Twigs and branches carried along,

A journey, where all belong.

You remind me that hope is near,

Even when the future’s unclear.

For in the smallest of things,

Beauty and wonder always sings.

Thank you, small stream, for your grace,

For giving me hope in this place.’

‘"I really love this photo (his foal called Gem). I wanted this foal to be in the picture, she was only born 6 hours before the Tūmanako deadline and she walked up to me," says Dylan.

MC’s for the event were Leo Uemura (Year 6) and Hiromi Louis (both are SGINZ youth division and future division).

The Opening Ceremony started with a performance from Golden Sands Primary School Kapa Haka Group. Their performance was truly heartfelt and they have been practicing hard behind the scenes for the last few weeks in preparation for today. It was deeply inspiring to have our hearts lifted and opened by the hearts of our tamariki and their waiata.

"We also heard a beautiful song from Hiromi Louis who was accompanied by her mum, Hine on the guitar."

Mahe Turnwald from Matahui School presented the Tauranga City Library with some  books on behalf of SGINZ written by Dr Daisaku Ikeda.

To conclude the exhibition 6 children from Golden Sands Primary School then cut the ribbon to declare the exhibition open. This was followed by refreshments.

The audience was made up of participants, parents, families, public and invited guests. In total there were around 90 people at the event.

"Our students get quite a lot out of Tūmanako. When cyclone Gabrielle hit areas of New Zealand our students wanted to help tamariki (children) and families. They sent care packages and wrote incredible messages of hope. I believe it was the teachings from last year's Tūmanako that taught them how to write such heartfelt messages of hope,” says Matahui School principal Mary Woods.

"Tūmanako gives tamariki (children) a focus on hope in the future and to look forward with positivity," says Golden Sands School principal Melanie Taylor.

"Tūmanako really fits with the purpose of the library, to bring hope and share stories and to exhibit children's creativity,” says Te Ao Marama, Tauranga Libraries Manager Joanna Thomas.

“I think it is beautiful seeing the voices and photos from tamariki. I find it so moving, what they’ve brought to this exhibition,” says Hine Greensill - Granddaugther of Eva Rickard.

Tūmanako: Through the Lens of Hope is shown at the Cities, Greerton and Papamoa Libraries until the 25th November