Turning frowns into smiles

Terry Chung was outside Whitcoulls in Wanganui on Tuesday and yesterday with his camera and ukulele busking for smiles.

Mr Chung has been collecting smiles for Christchurch from around New Zealand for the past six months.

Anyone can stop and take a photo with Mr Chung's camera and he will upload the photos to Facebook.

"I'm not asking for money, I'm asking for smiles," said Mr Chung. "I hope to turn the people of Christchurch's frowns into smiles."

He has collected around 600 smiles from around New Zealand. "I truly believe in the power of smiles. Smiles can bring people closer and can bring hope."

Mr Chung hopes to display the smiles somewhere in Christchurch by next month.

Originally from Taiwan, Mr Chung has been travelling around the world collecting smiles for various causes.

Local Peter Jamieson joined Mr Chung in Victoria Avenue, playing his ukulele while pedestrians stopped.

"Some people struggle to understand the concept," said Mr Jamieson. "He isn't wanting any money, just to bring a bit of joy."

Mr Chung encourages everyone to go on his Facebook page SmileChristchurch and upload a photo of themselves smiling.

He will be going to Japan after his New Zealand visit and collecting smiles for those affected by the Japanese earthquake.

"I am enjoying my time in Wanganui, it's very pretty," said Mr Chung.