Women of the Catlins

Edited by Diana Noonan
Photograpy by Cris Antona

A haunting, off-the-beaten-track destination, the little-known Catlins region of New Zealand is as mysterious today as it ever was. In this first in-depth look at the lives of its inhabitants, award-winning writer Diana Noonan and photographer Cris Antona collaborate to capture the thoughts and feelings of 26 women from this remote outpost.

As the subjects speak for themselves on topics as diverse as family, work, isolation and their relationship with the environment, there is, at last, an opportunity for readers to enter into the heart of this rugged, unknown landscape where few venture and only the strongest make it home.

The photographer

Born in Catalonia and now living in New Zealand, Cris Antona has always been fascinated by the way photography can tell stories. With a background in psychology, social education and multimedia, she has integrated photography from a gender perspective as part of her work. Focusing on social inclusion, education and cultural understanding, Cris has worked on social documentary photography, and also as an exhibition concept developer, commissioner and digital creative director of a range of multimedia projects. Currently she is a senior lecturer at Otago Polytechnic leading e-learning and digital solutions.