For the exhibition Picturing the Peninsula (21 April - 22 July 2007), this work was displayed with this label:

Banks Peninsula is also known as Te Pataka o Te Rakaihautu, the food basket of the legendary ancestor Raikaihautu. The Peninsula has provided a rich and varied source of food for its residents. Prior to the destruction of much of the regions forests there was an abundance of bird life. Kai moana (sea food) and eels are also an important food source. Adam’s view is taken from above Kaituna Valley, near Little River with the stark tree stumps providing a haunting reminder of the totara forest that was burnt off to make way for pasture.

Mark Adams was born in Christchurch and study at the University of Canterbury School of Fine Art. Much of his photography has focused on places of historical significance in the South Island.