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Auckland 2020 in pictures: The best photos from Stuff's visual journalists

Thursday, 31 December 2020

Monkey bars in Mission Bay are taped up to ensure people don’t use them during the Covid-19 alert level four lockdown.
Monkey bars in Mission Bay are taped up to ensure people don’t use them during the Covid-19 alert level four lockdown.

When breaking news happens, it’s not uncommon to see a Stuff visual journalist sprinting across the office, hauling multiple cameras, huge and heavy zoom lenses, tripods, microphones, cables and other technical bits and bobs.

It’s been a busy year for Auckland, with two Covid-19 lockdowns, a landslide general election and some of the only sporting and music events to go ahead during a global pandemic.

Jesse Shane Kempson was named as British backpacker Grace Millane’s killer after keeping his name a secret for over two years.
Jesse Shane Kempson was named as British backpacker Grace Millane’s killer after keeping his name a secret for over two years.
Former Blues player Matt Johnson had open-heart surgery after suffering rheumatic fever, which forced him to retire.
Former Blues player Matt Johnson had open-heart surgery after suffering rheumatic fever, which forced him to retire.
Whangārei outreach programme worker Carmen, photographed for the K Road Chronicles coming to the Stuff website on January 11.
Whangārei outreach programme worker Carmen, photographed for the K Road Chronicles coming to the Stuff website on January 11.
Former homeless man Troy and his pitbull. Troy now co-runs an outrun programme in Manurewa and is photographed for the K Road Chronicles, coming to Stuff on January 11
Former homeless man Troy and his pitbull. Troy now co-runs an outrun programme in Manurewa and is photographed for the K Road Chronicles, coming to Stuff on January 11
National Party leader Judith Collins prays at St Thomas Church in St Heliers before casting her vote in the general election.
National Party leader Judith Collins prays at St Thomas Church in St Heliers before casting her vote in the general election.
Shoppers make a socially distanced queue at Pak
Shoppers make a socially distanced queue at Pak 'n Save Royal Oak on a misty morning during Covid-19 alert level four.
NZ First
NZ First's Shane Jones takes stock the morning after the party sank in the general election.
A young couple manage a kiss through their masks in the Auckland CBD during Covid-19 alert level four.
A young couple manage a kiss through their masks in the Auckland CBD during Covid-19 alert level four.
Former Defence Minister Ron Mark on a low-level flight around Auckland after signing a $1.5 billion deal for five new Super Hercules aircraft to replace their ageing predecessors.
Former Defence Minister Ron Mark on a low-level flight around Auckland after signing a $1.5 billion deal for five new Super Hercules aircraft to replace their ageing predecessors.
Mannequins sit inside the Besos Latinos Ceviche Bar on Auckland
Mannequins sit inside the Besos Latinos Ceviche Bar on Auckland's Halsey St, to ensure customers adhere to social distancing.
Artwork on display at the Auckland Art Gallery shrouded in cloth during Covid-19 alert level three.
Artwork on display at the Auckland Art Gallery shrouded in cloth during Covid-19 alert level three.
An essential worker dons a mask in the Auckland CBD during the Covid-19 alert level four lockdown.
An essential worker dons a mask in the Auckland CBD during the Covid-19 alert level four lockdown.
NZ First leader and then-deputy prime minister Winston Peters’ reflection snapped in a puddle as he walks to announce the opening of the third main rail line project at Onehunga’s Southdown terminal.
NZ First leader and then-deputy prime minister Winston Peters’ reflection snapped in a puddle as he walks to announce the opening of the third main rail line project at Onehunga’s Southdown terminal.
Waitematā District Police Commander Naila Hassan fronts media following the shooting of Constable Matthew Hunt.
Waitematā District Police Commander Naila Hassan fronts media following the shooting of Constable Matthew Hunt.
A bus crashes into parked cars on Chapel Rd in Flat Bush, injuring three.
A bus crashes into parked cars on Chapel Rd in Flat Bush, injuring three.
A forensic examination of the Sunnyhills home of Elizabeth Zhong after she was found dead in November.
A forensic examination of the Sunnyhills home of Elizabeth Zhong after she was found dead in November.
Serena Williams, with her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr, after her big win at the 2020 ASB Classic.
Serena Williams, with her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr, after her big win at the 2020 ASB Classic.
Kiwi singer Benee performing at the Laneway Festival at Auckland’s Albert Park.
Kiwi singer Benee performing at the Laneway Festival at Auckland’s Albert Park.
Dunes where tara iti, or fairy terns, nest in Mangawhai. There are fewer than 40 adult fairy terns left in New Zealand.
Dunes where tara iti, or fairy terns, nest in Mangawhai. There are fewer than 40 adult fairy terns left in New Zealand.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces everyone entering New Zealand must self-isolate for two weeks in mid-March. The borders would later close completely to non-residents.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces everyone entering New Zealand must self-isolate for two weeks in mid-March. The borders would later close completely to non-residents.
A man is reunited with his family after spending two weeks in quarantine at a naval base in Whangaparāoa after being evacuated from China in February.
A man is reunited with his family after spending two weeks in quarantine at a naval base in Whangaparāoa after being evacuated from China in February.
Yery Cho, part of NZ music duo Imugi, said travel restictions could be an opportunity for kiwi musicians to get more time on stage during festival season.
Yery Cho, part of NZ music duo Imugi, said travel restictions could be an opportunity for kiwi musicians to get more time on stage during festival season.
Hundreds of men and women came ashore after paddling to the lower marae at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on Waitangi Day.
Hundreds of men and women came ashore after paddling to the lower marae at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on Waitangi Day.
John Middleton (pictured) and mates Zac Roberts and Kyle Sutcliffe took a tour of every mini golf course in the country to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation.
John Middleton (pictured) and mates Zac Roberts and Kyle Sutcliffe took a tour of every mini golf course in the country to raise money for the Mental Health Foundation.
Auckland University associate professor and microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles was named supreme winner at the 2020 Stuff-Westpac Women of Influence Awards for her accessible and evidence-led commentary about staying safe during the pandemic.
Auckland University associate professor and microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles was named supreme winner at the 2020 Stuff-Westpac Women of Influence Awards for her accessible and evidence-led commentary about staying safe during the pandemic.
Green Party Co-leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw announce the party’s nature policy for the 2020 election.
Green Party Co-leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw announce the party’s nature policy for the 2020 election.
Te Pou Theatre performing the Front Yard Festival to retirement homes across Auckland.
Te Pou Theatre performing the Front Yard Festival to retirement homes across Auckland.

Here are some of those 2020 moments, captured by visual journalists Jason Dorday, Chris McKeen, Lawrence Smith, David White, Abigail Dougherty, Ricky Wilson and Ryan Anderson.