“I think of the NZ Art Show as my artistic New Year’s Day — it’s the moment each year when I reset, create something new, and dive back into what I love most.”
For Mel, each NZ Art Show provides both a goal and a spark — a reason to create new work and a chance to reconnect with her creative whānau. Her art, much like her photography, is rooted in joy, curiosity, and connection — an ever-evolving practice that proves it’s never too late to start a new chapter.
Meet Mel Waite, a Porirua-based photographer and artist whose creative career has always revolved around seeing the world differently. From her custom-built home studio (shared with her partner Craig and their cat Monster), Mel blends the precision of photography with the playfulness of object-based art — creating intricate works that are both thoughtful and full of character.
A professional photographer for over 25 years, Mel’s journey into fine art began during the 2020 lockdowns, when people-focused shoots suddenly weren’t possible. Instead of slowing down, she experimented — photographing objects, arranging forms, and finding beauty in the small details around her home. That experiment quickly took on a life of its own.
“The Art Show was the first place I ever exhibited my work. I didn’t realise how tough it could be to get in — I just thought, let’s see what happens! And somehow, they said yes.”
Her first foray into exhibiting was at the 2022 NZ Art Show — and she’s been part of the event ever since. The 2026 Show will mark her fifth appearance, a milestone that reflects both her growing body of work and her deep connection to the NZAS community.
These days, Mel juggles life as a working photographer, artist, and university student — though she still finds time for her other passions: comic books, sci-fi, and good humour. (“Marvel over DC any day,” she insists, “and Star Trek > Star Wars — but I’ll happily watch either.”)
“Through the show I’ve met so many amazing artists who’ve become friends and part of a creative support network. It’s something I look forward to every year.”
