Kia Orana-May you live on 29 December: German student Lars Nienaber from the University of Applied Science (photography) in Bielefeld Germany spent from October to December 2004 taking photo images of the Cook Islands. The final result of his work is an illustrated book called 'Kia Orana - May you live on'. The photographic work reflects the Cooks as a country of small islands in transition and every aspect of living in the Cook Islands. The author describes it as a photographic commentary of the Cook Islands and their "unique plight to overcome the sociological impact of an economy largely dependent on tourism". It includes photos fit for the cover of a tourism magazine to photos parents would proudly show off during family functions. Others ranged from farmers still using the tools of our ancestors to work the land, to office workers embracing the ever-changing face of technology and both worlds living in harmony under the same sky. Nienaber also captured the love of sport that most island children are born with, from primary school athletics day to a national rugby competiton showing the players with heads bowed for a quick prayer of support from the Lord. When in Rarotonga many visitors become intoxicated with our colourful and flamboyant culture, and Nienaber was no exception. The seductive swaying hips of the islands girls and the masculine physique of island boys proudly displayed on stage tell of times of old. Nienaber was not blind to the natural beauty of the island and fell for the classic photo opportunity that both visitors and locals love -Muri lagoon and the three motu (islets) protecting the lagoon. From churches to feasts to domestic living, he depicts it all, including things that we as locals take for granted like lagoons and bushclad mountains still in their natural state. As a novelty shot he even throws in a picture of the humble Cook Islands parliament building. The work was presented in a compiled book for his final diploma project at his university. To view an English version of Lars Nienaber's e-book, go to www.larsnienaber.de - Matariki Wilson