Central to South Auckland photographer Denise Matene’s series Rangatahi Matter is an attempt to communicate to young people that their lives matter. Matene states, “Teenagers hang out at my place. They get along and have fun. But in some cases, there is also depression, suicidal thoughts, and rage. With some, there’s a history already. My reason for capturing these images is to let people see these teens. I think about what will happen to them in a few years. Where will they be at? Will they still be here?” Matene’s work holds a mirror to the joys and mundaneness of everyday life and growing up.