Across the Tasman, an uproar has been caused about art being used as activism.

Here in Aotearoa - it's being utilised unapologetically.

The devastating effects of climate change is something a growing number of artists are being drawn to with their mahi - and New Zealand creatives are getting their messages in front of some of the world's political leaders.

The Trouble in Paradise - Climate Change in the Pacific exhibition, currently free to attend Auckland University of Technology’s (AUT) Te Wai Ngutu Kākā Gallery until 21 February, has grabbed plenty of attention with its compelling images bringing the issues of rising sea levels, cyclones and floods on communities across the Pacific to the table.

Late last year, Trouble in Paradise - presented by the British Council of New Zealand and the Pacific and AUT - was in Samoa at the same time as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), with leaders of the 56 Commonwealth countries and over 3,000 delegates in attendance.   The exhibition was an official side-event.

The input and viewpoints of creatives has become a crucial part of telling the climate change story. The power of art has the potential to speak to power and impact policy.

The exhibition Features many of the winning entries from the UK Government’s Pacific Climate Photography Competition. Photographer Faaiuga Vaialia states “As Samoans living outside of the Pacific, we want to let the world know that we are in the fight for climate justice for our nations.  Our lands are a part of our identity.  

"Having my work portrayed at such a significant event where world leaders will see it means a lot to me. I want them to look at all the photos in the exhibition and really understand the effects of climate change and their crucial role in ensuring that climate justice is achieved. 

"I hope when they look at my photo, they see six resilient nations standing together in unity, fighting for climate justice despite where we are in the world. The fight will not stop until we see change, even if it that takes years.”

Vaialia's work made an impact - with many leaders sitting up and taking notice.

Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, The Rt Hon Baroness Patricia Scotland, notes “This exhibition gives us a taste of the reality, of the beauty, and the danger of climate change.  I hope it will be an inspiration to all of us to take action to save the big blue ocean states of the Pacific.  This moment is ours to make possible the future we want for our children.”

Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for the Commonwealth, adds “These wonderful photographs illustrate great problems but also a sense of optimism.  I love the link between poetry and photographs and I hope this will travel because the more people see this, the more they will understand the challenges we face.”

The exhibition - and its corresponding book - contains work for a range of creatives from across the Pacific, including poet laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh, as well as prize-winning author and AUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Damon Salesa. 

“The Pacific is the conscience of the world," Salesa emphasises. "Those stories coming from the most authentic storytellers, the people affected by climate change, are the most powerful.  When you have people from outside the Pacific telling you about climate change, it's quite a different thing. 

"When people are bringing images out of their homes, out of their villages, it's much more powerful,  it's much more authentic. 

"The responses we've seen are quite different to the ones you get when the crew comes in from New York or Beijing and tries to do ‘flooding homes’, it's much more about what it's like to live in a climate emergency.”

After influencing some of the biggest names in the Commonwealth, Trouble in Paradise has been making its mark on New Zealand audiences as well. Students and staff at AUT have been given food for thought, and inspiration to make a change.

British Council Director New Zealand and the Pacific, Natasha Beckman, says, “The British Council’s mission is to support arts as a platform to address global challenges of our times - such as climate change. Pacific communities often bear the brunt of its effects despite their minimal contributions to global emissions. Through poignant imagery, Trouble in Paradise aims to move hearts and minds, inspiring urgent action and sparking crucial policy discussions on a global scale.”