Pāpāmoa photographer Che Whiteley has always seen the world a little differently.

Through his camera lens, that difference has become a strength.

The 27-year-old Pāpāmoa East resident has a disability known as Global Developmental Delay (GDD), which affects communication and social interaction and has made traditional employment challenging.

With support from his mum Cindy Whiteley and CCS Disability Action, Che is building confidence – and a future – through photography.

Che’s striking images of Pāpāmoa Beach, particularly his night-time shots of the moon and coastal luminescence, have recently gained attention online.

Shared on local community pages, the photos impressed residents – and newsroom staff – with their clarity, creativity and technical skill.

Expressing himself

“Photography has always been something he’s loved,” Cindy said. “Even when things were really hard for him socially, the camera gave him a way to express himself.”

Large crowds flocked to Pāpāmoa in November 2025 to see the bioluminescence. Photo /Che Whiteley

Che has faced significant anxiety, which once made tasks such as catching a bus or using an Eftpos card overwhelming. School was also difficult, marked by bullying and isolation.

“School was horrible,” Che said. “I wasn’t popular. I had a couple of friends, but mostly I kept to myself.”

After leaving school, Che completed photography and design-related courses, including UB Design, helping him develop technical skills. Living close to the beach has allowed him to spend hours photographing the coastline and night sky while the world is quiet – a time when he feels most at ease.

With Ministry of Health support funding accessed through CCS Disability Action, Che was able to obtain professional equipment, including his Nikon P1000 camera, which he uses to photograph the moon, stars and coastal landscapes. He regularly shares his work online.

More recently, Che completed CCS Disability Action’s My Business Starter programme, designed to help people with disabilities explore self-employment and turn creative ideas into realistic opportunities.

Vision, determination

The Disability Business Network programme is facilitated by Selwyn Cook, Sandra Budd, and Julie Woods who is a global ambassador for Blind Low Vision NZ and known as “that blind woman”.

My Business Starter and the Disability Business Network facilitators - Selwyn Cook, Julie Woods and Sandra Budd. Photo / Supplied

Cook said Che stood out for his clear vision and determination.

“There is so much talent and creativity in the disability community,” Selwyn said.

“But people often don’t know where to start, or how to turn that talent into something practical. Che came into the programme already knowing photography was his passion – our role was to help him explore what that could look like as a business, at his own pace.”

Developed during Covid, the nine-week online programme, which starts again in February, helps participants build confidence, explore business ideas and learn key concepts of self-employment. It is delivered nationwide via Zoom and is free for eligible participants.

Selwyn said the course is about creating possibilities rather than pressure.

“For some people it might mean selling a few prints or earning some pocket money. For others it might grow into something more,” he said. “What matters is that people feel supported and see that there is a pathway.”

Che Whiteley with his camera on Pāpāmoa beach. Photo / David Hall

For Che, the online format was crucial, allowing him to participate from home while managing anxiety. “He went into the course with a clear idea,” Cindy said. “Photography was always the plan.”

The programme helped Che develop a basic business plan and consider how he might gradually sell his images or offer photography services. While fulltime work is not currently possible, the experience has helped him see a realistic way forward.

‘I want to put my name out there’

“I’d love to take it further,” Che said. “I want to put my name out there and be recognised for what I can do.”

Che is also a devoted father to his 6-year-old son, Jasper, balancing parenting with managing his wellbeing. Cindy remains a key support

“People often don’t understand disabilities they can’t see,” Cindy said. “With the right support, Che can thrive.”

As Che continues to capture Pāpāmoa’s coastline and night skies, his journey highlights how creativity, community support and inclusive opportunities can remove barriers – and open doors.