Go...go..go!
The last two weeks have been hard. Being made redundant, is emotional; We are gutted, filled with deep sadness, and we are questioning ourselves. The process is challenging. Finishing up work and trying to pack a house at the same time has left me no time to breathe. The stress has been large. While trying to finish a photography contract, I get this message from Sam inviting me to Rakitu Island for an early morning trip. I wanted to make it work! I get back late and have to pack to be up at 0530hrs. I can make this work!
After driving over the hill early to get the camera gear across, I realise I grabbed the wrong keys. I scamper back round the rocks through the high tide, interrupting a Blue Penguin startled by my quick presence twice as I return home and back for the keys. I meet Sam in the nick of time; we pack to head out. The past two weeks of stress fall away as we work our way out towards Rakitu Island.
Rakitu silhouetted on the horizon by a brilliant coloured sunrise, we race towards the ever-growing massive rock.
Rakitu is a taonga to Ngāti Rehua-Ngatiwai ki Aotea people. It is one of a number of sacred islands such as Mokohinau and Te Hauturu-o-Toi. Rakitu is a cultural landscape to the Ngāti Rehua - Ngātiwai ki Aotea, the mana whenua (people with inherent birthright) of Aotea Great Barrier Island, as it was home to one of their founding ancestors, Rehua. It is now managed by the Department of Conservation. Rakitu has a long history in Maori and European influences. It was used by Aotea-based whalers as a lookout during the 1950s and 1960s.
Sam Aldrich
This guy lives by the sea rules. He is a 'young salt' that I am sure will age into an 'old salt'. He has a deep respect for the ocean and its marine life. Obsessed with fishing and surfing may be an understatement for Sam? Out in his boat, he skillfully guides us towards a great spot to start casting for Haku. The fish were not biting so we drop anchor on a reef rock to go for a dive. The water surface is a magical mosaic of bright blue scatters of hundreds of Mau Mau.
We are surrounded by schools of fish immediately. It is incredible as I dive between large schools of blue Mau Mau, watch Haku swim past and many other species. The only disappointment is that there are no sharks! Sam strikes the sharp shots, gathering the food, gutting while in the water and putting the catch in his float, while I dive and get better angles to shoot my camera.
We make a great team. He hunts the fish and I take photographs - my obsession! Sam makes for an amazing subject.
Finally, we work our way back to the boat. Diving around the anchor, I manage to take a few more images of Sam. The weed makes for a great composition. Both of us glow from the experience.
Reluctantly we surface and check the time. It's 10 am! How did that go so quick? We had no more time to stay out if we were to make the tide and back up the estuary to the trailer. So reluctantly we race back. Along the way, we do some quick casting, but the fish were still not interested. Working our way up the Estuary with me on the bow and Sam at the helm, navigating left and right to follow the channel back. The boat loaded and breakfast down the hatch, it has been a huge success, with plenty of fish to eat and images to fondly remind ourselves of what a stunning journey that was.
It was the best dive I have done and a great way to finish my time here on the Island. Sad by not being able to do more, yet grateful for that experience.
Thanks, Sam Aldrich!