A Hidden World: Photos of fungi from Aotearoa New Zealand
By (Author) Paula Vigus
Photographs by Paula Vigus
Potton & Burton
Potton & Burton
29th September 2025
New Zealand
General
Non Fiction
Hardback
176
Width 240mm, Height 240mm
This book is a photographic tribute to the beautiful but little-known world of New Zealand fungi. It is the work of Paula Vigus, who was the photographer for the spectacularly successful 'Fungi of Aotearoa: A curious foragers field guide', published in 2023.
In 'A Hidden World' she showcases the extraordinary beauty of these remarkable organisms, which play a crucial role in our ecosystems, acting as decomposers and contributing to nutrient cycling, soil health and plant growth. But because so many fungi are tiny and not easily found, most New Zealanders have no idea how remarkable this hidden world is.
This book changes this, providing a spectacular glimpse into the unique forms, details and textures of the fungi world. Paula Vigus has photographed a significant range of the fungi species found in New Zealand, and quite apart from highlighting their aesthetic appeal, she also hopes to inspire a greater appreciation and awareness of their ecological significance. 'A Hidden World' is a wonderful addition to books about our natural history a must for anyone who loves to get out into our native forest.
Some years ago Paula Vigus stumbled across the world of fungi, and through repeated expeditions into native forest, became passionate about the wonder and enchantment of this diverse underworld. It is in this world of macro photography that she found her niche, and this led to her providing the photos for Liv Sissions bestselling book, 'Fungi of Aotearoa', which was published in 2023.
Paula has taken workshops and given talks to camera clubs and at the annual Fungi Fest in the Bay of Plenty, teaching and encouraging other nature lovers to engage in the intricacies and enjoyment of photographing fungi. She holds LPSNZ honours with the Photographic Society of New Zealand.
She lives in Tauranga.