Craig Potton

Craig Potton (born 15 January 1952) is a New Zealand photographer, environmentalist, businessman, publisher, and founder of the New Zealand publishing company Potton & Burton. Potton, who resides in Nelson, has been active in local government, and stood as a Green candidate in the 1999 and 2002 general elections.

Early life and family Potton was born in Nelson on 15 January 1952, the younger son of Rhoda Potton and her husband businessman Dick Potton who established Zip Industries and owned Nelson's cinema complex State Cinemas. He was educated at Nelson College from 1963 to 1969, where he played in the school's 'A' basketball team in 1968 and was a prefect in his final year. From a young age, Potton had an interest in environmentalism and took part in the Save Manapouri campaign while still a student at Nelson College. He was also a member of the National Forestry Council and the Federated Mountain Clubs executive. The Hollow Men, and Seeds of Distrust. His photography has been displayed at exhibitions in New Zealand and internationally, including at the Christchurch Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Australia, the Rowe Gallery in North Carolina, and the Luksfera Gallery in Warsaw and Jerusalem. He won the award for best documentary script at the 2011 New Zealand Script Writers Awards for his Rivers episode, "Rangitata". the Nelson Conservation Board, and the Nelson Arts Council, and has served as chair of the Nelson Provincial Museum.

Honours In the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours, Potton was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to photography and conservation.