From Volcano to Value: Unlocking Sustainable Concrete Solutions in Aotearoa, New Zealand, 2025

In this image, I hold a piece of pumice in my hand—volcanic rock that plays a key role in my research. I am exploring how pumice can replace part of cement in concrete, making it stronger, longer-lasting, and more environmentally friendly. The pumice in my hand represents the power of nature to offer solutions for building a more sustainable future. This research is important for New Zealand, where volcanic resources are abundant, and the need for eco-friendly infrastructure is growing.This image was submitted to the Ngā Ara Whetū | Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society photograph exhibition Woven Worlds: Research, Art and Sustainability, part of the 2025 Auckland Festival of Photography. The exhibition was displayed at ProjectSpace, Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, 9-15 June 2025.