This series of works follows research into the journeys of the first settlers that came to New Plymouth from Devon and Cornwall in England. The Plymouth Company was formed in 1840 and the first six ships to come to New Plymouth before the company merged with the New Zealand Company were – the "William Bryan", "Amelia Thompson", "Oriental", "Timandra", "Blenheim" and "Essex".

Images of some of the passengers (sometimes partly obscured) can be seen in the paintings – including some well-known identities such as Chief Surveyor Fredrick Carrington, George Cutfield, Captain of the William Bryan, and Captain Henry King – New Plymouth’s first Magistrate. Also featured in the work are lists of passengers' names, old maps and diaries and screen-printed images, creating added depth.

"I was reading documents about my father’s life and migration to New Zealand in 1950 and wanted to find out how it was for the first settlers coming to New Plymouth. I have gained a great respect for these people who left their friends and family behind in the hope of a better life on the other side of the world. Even though they are not my direct ancestors, I feel a strong connection to this place and the legacy left by these pioneers"

In contrast, but also relating to migration, two other paintings "Empty Cradles" and "Lost Children" refer to the migration of children from Britain in the 1950’s and 1960’s, an attempt to solve the problem of overpopulated orphanages and at the same time "populate the colonies".

The exhibition runs from 6 to 31 March.