Manawatu Migrant Voices is an ongoing series of co-created photographic portraits of migrants living in the Manawatū. Each participant is photographed by Manawatū-based photographer Gerry le Roux, the portrait is printed to A2 size, and the participant is then invited to handwrite a short reflection on their migrant experience directly onto the final photographic print – either in their native language or in English. These brief, personal reflections offer an intimate window into the migrant experience.

The physical act of writing transforms each portrait from a reproducible photograph into a one-of-a-kind photo-literary artwork, merging visual art with personal storytelling. The handwritten text, expressive and deeply personal, becomes an inseparable part of the image. Handwriting carries the participant’s voice, language, and even personality in ways that typed captions cannot. These works are not digital composites or captioned prints – they are original, irreplaceable artefacts that reflect both the individuality of each subject and the collaborative nature of the creative process.

Collectively, the series builds a rich, multilingual narrative on migration, creating a contemporary historical record that reflects the cultural diversity of the region. The Manawatū’s growing migrant and refugee population enriches the region’s social fabric, and this work aims to reflect both the individual and collective dimensions of that experience.

The first phase will culminate in a public exhibition at Square Edge Community Arts Centre, scheduled for February 2026 to coincide with the Festival of Cultures. The works will be displayed in a tightly composed arrangement, featuring minimalist headshots that strip away context to focus attention on the individuality of each person – their facial expression and personal mark-making. The repetitive format creates a visual rhythm and thematic cohesion. It is through this consistent framing that subtle distinctions in identity, emotion, and experience become more visible. While each portrait is deeply individual, the repetition of form invites contemplation of both personal and collective narratives of migration.

This work is relevant to the Manawatū community. Palmerston North is recognised nationally as one of only three cities to hold "Advanced Welcoming Community" accreditation from Immigration New Zealand. This recently awarded status recognises the city’s leadership in inclusion, diversity, and community-building. Its strong commitment to diversity is evident through the Welcoming Communities programme, the efforts of the Manawatū Multicultural Council, and its vibrant community of international students, former refugees, and long-term migrants.

Creatively, this project experiments with authorship and voice in a way that challenges the conventions of documentary photography. Participants are not simply subjects – they are co-creators, contributing to both the visual and narrative content of the work. This participatory approach places emphasis on ethical representation, cultural sensitivity, and trust-building.