This exhibition has been funded by the Project Lyttelton Earthquake Fund. Click here to read more from the photographer Amelia de Roo

I have always had a strong connection to Lyttelton, I had been a place of retreat and has become like a second home for me. This year was my last at University of Canterbury School Of Fine Arts studying photography. I was given the opportunity to spend the entire year working on a project of my choice. I knew straight away I wanted to discover Lyttelton through photography and why I loved this place so much. Following the February earthquakes, I came to find it wasn't just the place, but the people in it who are extraordinary. I knew I had to document this historic town and capture the effects of the earthquakes on, not just the town, but the people that live here. Through constant photographing I discovered so much about this town and the amazing people that live here. I was lucky enough to be able to work closely with Community House, Project Lyttelton and other organizations around Lyttelton. With open arms they welcomed me into photograph part of what they do every day. I have selected some of my images to become part of a book and I'd like to give this to a community that has given me so much. This book will be in the public library from mid-December. I am able to gift the book to the community.

I will be holding my first photography exhibition, ‘Farewell Sweet Volcano' on Friday 9^th December (The exhibition will be open from Saturday 10^th to Wednesday 14^th of December, 10am to 4pm daily.) A selection of photographs will be shown and available for purchase. The book that contains some of these images will also be on display and on sale. I am hoping that money raised from the exhibition can be given to the Community. I hope you can join me there.

Thank you, Lyttelton

Amelia de Roo

All are welcome to attend the opening of this exhibition on Friday 9^th December, 5.30pm

‘Farewell Sweet Volcano' will run from 10^th-14^th December at the Tin Palace, 13a Oxford st, Lyttelton. All photographs and copies of the book will be available for purchase.