They are fighters, outcasts, heroes. They are everyday Kiwis with a story to tell, challenging us to go beyond face value.
For 100 Portraits, 100 Untold Stories, photographers took to the streets of New Zealand with just a smartphone in their pockets. Their tool of trade a Leica dual lens camera on the Huawei P10 and P10 Plus.
They captured those integral to society but often taken for granted, those battling for success against all odds and those struggling to fit in. There were P-addicts and poets, baristas and barristers, and everyone in between.
A few of Newshub's personal favourites are shown below and in the video but for an utterly revealing portrait of New Zealand today, what challenges and inspires us and why we're inherently happy, check out the full gallery here.
Areta Rerekau, from East Coast, Ngati Kahungunu, says people are very wary of him but he just wants to help others. He "can't stand hating and won't do jealousy" but otherwise "life is just cool, bro."
Loretta Tuken from Auckland makes the most of every moment and says the kindest thing anyone has ever done for her is paid her. When asked if she's ignored by society she says "ignored or ignorance?"
Djauni 'Kakapo' Mantey-Worrall, music producer and performer, says he feels proud of himself when people are influenced or uplifted by what he is doing. He says let haters be haters.
Tui Moreli, a 17-year old barber from Wellington, is determined to make it. He says his upbringing was "really rough" and him and his older brother were the ones who made sure the younger kids were fed.
Jade from Auckland, admits she has a meth addiction problem and that sometimes she's "a bit down and out" but in the end, she's just like everybody else.
Paris Taukiri, Auckland, was born Sven and has spent some time in jail. She is six foot one and doesn't go unnoticed and says new souls act strangely around her but people are inherently kind.
Lucas Cleary is a barista and musician who knows he's striking. He likes to think he's part of society but not necessarily a sheep. He loves that he has the ability to rock everyday, surrounded by people he loves.
Mike Hill, farm hand and St John's ambulance officer from Waihi, wants to help to make the world a better place. He likes to challenge people and their thinking. His wife and kids are what make him happy
Writer and poet, Michael O'Leary, says hes never been one for the regular day-to-day lifestyle. He's 'embraced the bohemian' lifestyle working odd jobs, experiencing the world.
Stephen Franks says he's a 'strong advocate for people’s rights – both individuals and communities as a whole.' He says its important that everyone gets a say and the respect they deserve.
This article has been created for Huawei to showcase its 100 Portraits campaign.
Click here to see more compelling photos and untold stories and see the powerful capabilities of the Leica dual lens camera on the P10 and P10 plus.
