We all face difficult or challenging situations, but sometimes it's good to have a helping hand or a reassuring pat on the back to point us in the right direction.

Waipuna Hospice is bringing renowned speaker and author Rachel Callander to town for a one-night-only seminar titled Life, Love and Awesomeness.
Rachel Callander is looking forward to coming to Tauranga. Photo: Supplied.

After losing her daughter Evie, who had a rare chromosome condition, New Zealand wedding and portrait photographer Rachel turned her talent to capturing the beauty and abilities of other children with ‘Super Powers'.

Rachel has travelled New Zealand meeting ordinary families being made extraordinary through the journeys their children are taking them on.

As a result of her travels, Rachel's insights and images offer a fresh understanding and language regarding disability. The stunning photographs of the children, alongside the conversations with their parents, are presented in the ‘Super Power Baby Project' – a photographic art book launched in August last year.

'I'm looking forward to coming to Tauranga in September,” says Rachel, who is from Timaru. 'I will be speaking about celebrating the good, even in tough times, inspired by my time with my daughter Evie and all the things she taught me.”

Waipuna Hospice fundraising manager Trish Rae says the hospice aim to put on a variety of events, and feel Rachel's presentation would be particularly poignant for many people.

'Everyone, no matter what their circumstance is, has faced adversity and Rachel is about finding beauty in brokenness,” says Trish.

'When things might be challenging, you often find hidden reserves and it can actually be something we can all learn from.”

The seminar is being held on Wednesday, September 23, at Holy Trinity Church on Devonport Road, from 7pm – 8.30pm. Tickets are just $20 from Waipuna; Hospice shops, Holy Trinity or online at: waipuna-hospice.co.nz