Photographer • author • lifelong learner

About Ian

Ian D. Findlay is the creator of NZThrillVibes—a photographer, author and practical problem-solver whose life has been shaped by water, technology, hard work and a deep connection with the Hokianga.

Read My Story Explore My Photography

Where it began

A lifelong connection with water.

Long before NZThrillVibes existed, Ian was already drawn to fishing, the outdoors and the places where land meets water. That childhood connection never disappeared.

Over the years, his working life took him through electrical work, farming, beekeeping, water and wastewater treatment, inspection, SCADA systems, photography and web development. Each chapter added practical knowledge, patience and a way of seeing how many small parts fit together.

“Photography lets me slow down, notice the changing light and share the places that have meant so much to me.”

Today, NZThrillVibes brings those experiences together through photographs, booklets, videos, limited-edition prints and stories from around the Hokianga.

A life of varied experience

Every chapter shaped the next.

Ian's background is unusually broad. The common thread has always been practical learning, solving problems and sharing knowledge.

Electrical Work

From industrial sites and freezing works to self-employment and thousands of electrical inspections, electrical work created a strong foundation in safety, accuracy and responsibility.

Farming & Beekeeping

Working with land, stock and bees strengthened an appreciation for weather, seasons and the practical rhythms of rural life.

Water Treatment & SCADA

Operating and maintaining water and wastewater systems brought together machinery, instrumentation, computers and public service.

Photography

Photography became a way to document beauty, tell local stories and preserve moments that might otherwise pass unnoticed.

Author & Creator

The Hokianga booklet and NZThrillVibes website transformed individual photographs into a growing creative body of work.

ITIAN Knowledge Hub

Ian's practical experience also inspired a learning platform designed to help beginners build confidence with technology and real-world skills.

What guides the work

Experience, curiosity and connection.

Practical Knowledge

Years of hands-on work influence the way Ian plans, creates and explains each project.

Local Connection

The Hokianga is not treated as a backdrop. It is a living place with people, memory and character.

Photography

Light, weather and timing come together to reveal familiar places in a fresh way.

Storytelling

Every strong image has a story—where it was made, what was happening and why it matters.

Technology

Web design, digital publishing and video allow the work to reach far beyond the Hokianga.

Sharing

Whether through a booklet, course, photograph or conversation, the aim is to make knowledge and beauty accessible.

Then and now

The same connection, many years apart.

Young Ian with a fish — Where the story began

Ian holding a snapper on the beach — A lifelong love of fishing and the coast

Ian's other project

Practical learning through ITIAN Knowledge.

Alongside NZThrillVibes, Ian created the ITIAN Knowledge Hub—a separate learning website with beginner-friendly courses and practical guides covering technology, home systems and real-world skills.

It is included here simply as another part of Ian's wider creative and educational work. NZThrillVibes remains dedicated to photography, the Hokianga, booklets, prints and video.

Visit ITIAN Knowledge

The NZThrillVibes mission

To share the beauty, history and spirit of the Hokianga.

NZThrillVibes is more than a photography website. It is a growing record of places, experiences and stories—created with care and shared with people who feel a connection to this remarkable part of New Zealand.

Discover the Booklet Contact Ian