Question 1

What are the judging criteria?

Accepted Answer

• Interpretation (20%) 
 • Materials (20%) 
 • Designer Statement (20%)  
 • Originality and Innovation (10%) 
 • Construction (15%) 
 • Artist Effort (15%) 
A full breakdown of each criteria section can be found in our Judging Criteria (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FMp2K6tD9321w7M7fveEeXeG1kv4k81M/view?usp=sharing)document.

Question 2

Who are the judges?

Accepted Answer

Each year, we seek out prominent locals to be our panel of judges. These people have significant expertise in sustainable education, careers in design and fashion, or notable contributions to climate action. We look forward to announcing these people soon.

If you would like to be considered as a judge, please contact us.(https://www.beautification.org.nz/contact)

Question 3

What are the prizes?

Accepted Answer

There are three categories; Primary (Year 1 - 6), Intermediate (Year 7-8) and Secondary (Year 9-13). In each category, there are three prizes to be won: 
 • 1st Prize: $1,000  
 • 2nd Prize: $500  
 • 3rd Prize: $250

As this is a school competition, all prize money will be paid to the winning schools, to be allocated at the schools’ discretion.

There is also a 'Beautification Trust Pick' award to be won with a to be revealed experience prize - stay tuned!

Question 4

What are the garment requirements?

Accepted Answer

Some things to remember before you submit in your entry:
 • Wearable Art entries must be thought of as a whole outfit. For example, if the main design focus is on the skirt, there must be an accompanying top. The judges will be critiquing the entire outfit as one garment. 
 • To guide choices around materials and construction, we strongly recommend reading through our Wearable Arts Materials Guide and Self Assessment Guide. These are great educational tools for students to understand how they can create a garment that has a low impact on the environment. 
 • NO artificial, bought flowers are permitted. We encourage students to make their own. 
 • NO pampas or materials sourced from pest plants are permitted. 
 • Entries must be comfortable and safe to wear. Models must be able to see clearly and breathe easily whilst wearing it. All footwear must be robust, well-balanced and safe. NO sharp objects or scratchy surfaces, e.g., staples. 
 • Encourage students to try their garments on throughout the construction process to ensure that it’s not too heavy, unbalanced or uncomfortable, and will hold together. Identify movement stress points and reinforce these areas if required. 
 • If the garment includes a hat or head piece, it must be fitted and well balanced. A strap under the chin may be appropriate. Models must be able to see clearly while wearing the garment. Garments must be of a size to fit through doorways backstage.

Question 5

Are pest plants allowed to be used in my garment?

Accepted Answer

The Beautification Trust does not permit the use of pest plants in any competition entry.  
Moving pest plants from one place to another (from the ground to our Eye on Nature Wearable Arts venue) is not permitted under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and puts NZ’s unique biodiversity at risk. We see this enforcement as a beneficial tool to raise students’ and the wider public’s awareness around these harmful species of plant.

Weedbusters (https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/what-are-weeds/)have some great information on pest plants and how to identify them. For example, pampas (https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/what-are-weeds/weed-list/pampas/)is a pest plant that replaces native plants such as ferns and shrubs and provides a habitat for pest animals such as possums and rats. Pampas is a huge threat to NZ’s biodiversity and must not be used as a material. Toetoe (https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/tools-and-resources/collections/new-zealand-flax-collections/weaving-plants/toetoe/)can be used in place of pampas, it looks similar but is native to NZ and is not a threat to the environment.

If you would like further clarification or information on pest plants, please don’t hesitate to contact us.(https://www.beautification.org.nz/contact)

Eye on Nature Wearable Arts

28-29 July 2025 | Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau

Young Designers Champion Wellbeing and Sustainability at Wearable Arts Competition

Enter a Garment

This Year's Theme...
Grow Together

How can I support my community to look after the environment?

Why is working with my community important for looking after nature?

What are the ways my community can take action for nature?

The 2026 Categories Are...

Judging criteria

Garment Design Resources

Photo & Video Permission Form

Why sign up for Wearable Arts?

FAQs

Thank you to our sponsors!

Before you go... do you want to stay in touch?
Sign up for email updates and stay up to date with what's happening in your community

Eye on Nature Wearable Arts​