Whitebaiters are a special breed, born with a certain something that compels them to endure incredible discomfort, often sitting on wet riverbanks in the howling wind and driving sleet of winter, all for the thrill of catching the tiny, ellusive whitebait. But as the images in this book attest, that’s not all there is to whitebaiting.

Here you will find the people, young, old and inbetween, who fiercely protect their ‘pozzies’ from all-comers, and who have a notorious reputation for fudging the truth about baiting, especially when it comes to revealing the size of their catch. Here also are the many styles of nets and fishing techniques, as varied as the locations they fish in; and the cribs, shacks and shelters of every shape and size; and even a dozen or so ways to cook it.

Most of all, there is the whitebait and the amazing diversity of rivers, streams and creeks across the country where they are caught — from the remotest part of the West Coast of the South Island, accessible only by plane, to a wharf in the heart of urban Auckland.

The ‘Whitebaiters Never Lie’ project was initiated in 2006 by photographers Anita Peters and Murray Hedwig with the aim of capturing the essence of the whitebait season over a three-year period. Hindered at times by poor weather and sometimes just no whitebait at all, the challenges were many, but the result is a comprehensive, visually stunning documentation of this iconic Kiwi culture.

Endorsed by a foreword from renowned whitebaiter Keri Hulme, this book is a revelation of something that is uniquely New Zealand’s own.

Anita Peters

Anita Peters was born in Christchurch and educated in Nelson before gaining a Diploma of Fine Arts (Hons) from Elam School of Fine Arts, Auckland University.

Her many projects have included travel photography, with a focus on working with people of unique occupations and lifestyles, as well as festivals, protests and other events involving the environment.

Anita is also an accomplished fibre artist with a Diploma in Applied Design for Fabric from AUT Auckland and a Diploma in Art and Design in Costume Design from NMIT Nelson. Anita currently lives in Auckland.

Murray Hedwig

Murray Hedwig was also born in Christchurch and educated in Nelson. He has a Diploma of Fine Arts (Hons) from Ilam School of Fine Arts Canterbury and a Diploma of Teaching (Distinction) from Christchurch College of Education.

He tutored in design and photography at Christchurch Polytechnic from 1978–2005. Since then he has worked as an artist and professional photographer, exhibiting widely with several works being held in permanent collections.

Murray’s passion for documentary film making has allowed him to utilise these skills, and his experience in landscape photography, in this project. Murray lives in Christchurch.

Contact Details

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Telephone 03 9425973