“Winning the World Press Photo award was a deeply emotional moment. It felt like a validation of the years I spent documenting the Tūhoe people and their journey of reconnection with their ancestral land. This recognition is not just for me but also for the Tūhoe community, whose trust and openness made this work possible,” says Tatsiana.

“The inspiration for my project came from a desire to challenge stereotypes about the Tūhoe people, particularly after the violent 2007 police raids in Te Urewera. I first visited Ruatoki in 2010 and became captivated by the resilience and warmth of the community. In 2014, I began focusing on the Teepa family, whose story of returning to their ancestral land and fostering over 20 whāngai (foster) children exemplified Tūhoe values.

“The challenge—building trust in a community still healing from trauma required time and sensitivity. My own experiences as a Belarusian and a descendant of the Komi people, who faced state violence in Russia, helped me relate to their struggles. Documenting their daily lives while respecting their privacy was a delicate balance.”

Full interview