Voices of Hope - Behind the Smile - Whangārei

Mental health charity Voices of Hope is proud to announce the opening of Behind the Smile, an immersive audio-visual exhibition in collaboration with internationally renowned director and photographer Tom Gould, opening at Reyburn House from 7 July to 2 August 2026.

Behind the Smile is a striking photo and audio series featuring 11 everyday New Zealanders who have experienced mental health challenges. The exhibition moves beyond traditional visual storytelling, offering an interactive experience that invites audiences to engage more deeply with each story.

Visitors are able to listen to personal lived-experience narratives via their own mobile devices while viewing powerful portrait photography displayed throughout the gallery. The result is an intimate and reflective experience that encourages empathy, curiosity, and connection.

Voices of Hope co-founder Genevieve Mora says the exhibition aims to create space for understanding and hope through lived experience storytelling.

“We are on a mission to inform, empower, and spread hope by amplifying voices of lived experience. With Behind the Smile, we want audiences to connect with real stories, reflect on their own perspectives, and leave feeling more hopeful and understood.”

The project was over a year in the making, with Gould and the Voices of Hope team travelling across Aotearoa to capture each participant in their ‘happy place’, creating deeply personal and authentic portraits. The exhibition has been touring New Zealand for the past two years, sharing messages of hope and connection within communities nationwide.

Reyburn House welcomes the exhibition as part of its commitment to supporting creative and culturally meaningful works in the heart of Whangārei. Rebecca Cunliffe, President of the Northland Society of Arts (Reyburn House), says:

“Reyburn House is honoured to host Behind the Smile and help bring these important stories to our community. Art has a unique ability to create connection, encourage understanding, and start conversations that might otherwise be difficult to have. We hope visitors will take the time to engage with these powerful personal stories and leave with a greater sense of empathy, hope, and human connection.”

Voices of Hope invites the Whangārei community to visit Reyburn House, Reyburn House, Whangārei, between 7 July and 2 August 2026, to experience Behind the Smile. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own device and headphones for the full immersive experience.

To anyone who may be struggling - you are not alone. It’s not weak to speak.

This exhibition is proudly supported by Foundation North.

To find out more about our work please visit

@voicesofhope or

thevoicesofhope.org

If you need support, reach out to 1737 or visit findahelpline.com