Take a Moment with Nico Rose

Welcome to our new regular series, 'Take a Moment With…' where we send a roll of film to a guest to capture the moments that make up their day, or week, then ask them a few questions.

We gave Nico a camera and chatted about late nights at Whammy Bar, the pressures facing Aotearoa's arts community, favourite spots for a wintry stroll around Auckland, and what drink she add to the Almighty lineup. It's a goodie. 

Kia ora Nico, thanks for giving us a glimpse into your week. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Kia ora! Ko Nico tōku ingoa. I am Ngāpuhi, born in Sydney, grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau, and wear a few different hats: I'm a freelance photographer, graphic designer and creative at Aesium Music House, as well as a law student.

How would you describe an average week for yourself as a photographer?

Honestly, it depends on the month. Lately it's been hectic — a minimum of three gigs a week, plus daytime shoots. During busy periods I'm bouncing between my work at Aesium Music House, editing photos before morning meetings, and heading straight to venues after work.

As an independent freelancer, I'm also constantly emailing clients, managing schedules, and sending files. But that's what I love about it. Every week is different, and every artist, venue, and crowd brings its own atmosphere. It's a privilege to be part of so many different moments.

What do you love most about the music scene in Aotearoa right now?

It's a difficult time for the music scene, and that's heartbreaking to witness. We've recently seen the closure of important community pillars like Neck of the Woods and Flying Out, which reflects the broader pressures facing the arts.

The cost of living crisis impacts everyone in the ecosystem: audiences have less money for tickets, artists struggle with venue costs, venues struggle to stay open, and the cycle continues. The arts often don't feel like a priority.

That said, what I love most is the sheer depth of talent we have here. Despite the challenges, Aotearoa continues to produce incredible artists and creatives, and I'm constantly inspired by what's happening locally. Right now I'm especially excited by Elliot and Vincent, WOMB, LEAO, Samara Alofa and Hun Lynch.

You're studying law while also being busy on the music scene. How do you take a moment for yourself during the week?

I think I thrive on being busy — I never really know what to do with myself when I have too much free time.

I do a Sudoku before bed, which is probably my version of meditation. Exercise is also really important to me. Running with music in my headphones or heading to the gym gives me time to think, reset, and be by myself. I'm also a big fan of a Les Mills Shapes class.

Do you have a favourite venue to shoot in Tāmaki Makaurau and what makes it so good?

It has to be Whammy Bar.

There are venues with bigger stages, better lighting, photography pits, and flashier sound systems, but Whammy is something else. Whammy is Karangahape Road. It's a venue that genuinely backs artists, whether they're playing to ten people or hundreds.

I've spent countless nights there — some of the best and some of the worst — and I genuinely wouldn't be where I am without it. The staff are also some of the loveliest people in the industry. When you come home sticky and smelling vaguely of cigarettes, you know there was a good kanikani happening at Whammy.

When you need to get into nature, where are your favorite spots to explore?  

I love heading out west. Titirangi is perfect for shorter walks that lead down to beautiful beaches, and the village is always worth stopping in for a coffee. I also love the tracks around Piha and throughout the Waitākere Ranges.

Where are your favourite places to grab a drink with friends atm?

Freida Margolis will always be number one for me. It's the perfect neighbourhood bar — you can show up exactly as you are and it somehow always meets you there.

I also love Bar Martin, Goblin, and Blue. They all have great courtyards out the back that are perfect for settling into with friends with a glass (or bottle) of wine. 

The ceramics in your photos are so beautiful. Can you tell us more about the ceramic piece you featured?

They were made by my best friend, Georgia Tikaputini Douglas Hood, who is an incredible ceramic artist. Sometimes I'll sit in her studio and chat away while she's trying to work.

Best spots for a wintery walk around the city?

I live in Freemans Bay and feel lucky to be within walking distance of so many beautiful parts of the city. I love wandering through Victoria Park and down towards the waterfront beneath the Harbour Bridge.

Museum Drive is another favourite in winter — the trees make it feel wonderfully moody and cinematic.

If you could make a new drink for Almighty, what would it be? 

Lychee. No notes.

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Check out Nico's portfolio at nicorosepenny.com

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