Clean Sweep for South Auckland Middle School at Eye on Nature Creative Arts 2025

Our annual Eye on Nature Creative Arts competition invited tamariki to produce original pieces inspired by the 2025 theme: ‘Wellbeing – Te Taiao and Me’. South and East Auckland tamariki are showcasing their inspiring creations at the Auckland Botanic Gardens during these school holidays.

The Prizegiving ceremony was held on Saturday 20 September, celebrating the creativity and hard work of the tamariki who entered the competition. At Eye On Nature Creative Arts, everyone is a winner, but some pieces truly stood out for their originality and impact. As the judges said, “we were blown away by the high standard of entries this year.”

Group photo during the prizegiving ceremony at Eye On Nature Creative Arts, at the Auckland Botanic Gardens.

The Award-Winning Art

South Auckland Middle School were the big winners on the day, taking all three podium spots in the Primary School category. Pippa Davies, Ezra, Jackson, Zephaniah and Memory Williams from South Auckland Middle School impressed the judges with their thoughtful reflections on waste and daily habits.

The overall winner, Memory Williams, used the metaphor of a book in his artwork to invite the public to consider their legacy: what kind of story are we leaving behind?

All three creations highlighted the consequences of our actions and their wider impacts. Seeing these messages come from Year 7 tamariki was both powerful and inspiring for adults. The judges commented: “A unique and creative way to share the message and theme. We loved that the artist statement posed a question "What will your story be?" "

Memory Williams from South Auckland Middle School Won the First Prize in The Primary School Category.

The first winner in the Kindergarten category, Aorere Kindergarten, impressed the judges with their creation “Tiny Hands Grow Happy.” This living artwork includes small plants that will one day flourish into something beautiful. It reflects how everyday interactions with nature, such as watering plants, watching them grow, and sharing these experiences together.

Kids and leading parents from Aorere Kindergarten worked on this creation, they won the First Prize in Kindergarten Category.

The 2025 Winner for People's Choice Award is the creation called "Stop & Smell the Roses"  from Howick Primary School. Kai pai to Selena Kattan, Karolina Kattan, Addilyn Locksley, Kimberley Hieatt, Adwitiya Amboj, Hamreen Kaur, Leah Smunke, Jarvis Chen, Zoey Chen, Annika Ashoorzadeh, Piper McCormick, Rianka Van Wyngaard, Ayla Palupe whoc ontributed to this awesome piece of art.

Their incredible work reflects the idea that when we pause to enjoy the small things in life, we see how caring for te taiao also cares for us. The design shows living creations thriving in places where people connect with the earth and find moments of peace. It is about recognising the beauty of nature as a safe home for all.

Stop & Smell the Roses"  from Howick Primary School.

The Power of Creativity to Connect with Te Taiao

Creativity is a powerful way for tamariki to connect with their natural environment. This year’s theme encourages them to explore how caring for their own wellbeing is linked to caring for te taiao. Just like forests, rivers and oceans need balance to stay strong, so too does our own wellbeing.

“This year, we wanted to invite tamariki to look after themselves and look after Papatūānuku,” said Sterling Ruwhiu, Community Programmes Manager at the Beautification Trust.

“Unleashing creativity helps grow a strong connection with the whenua. When you feel part of something bigger, you look after it in a different way,” she added.

Family Fun School Holiday Event

The free exhibition remains open to the public until Sunday, 5^th October, during the Term 3 school holidays, at the Auckland Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre. Visitors are welcome to place their votes to crown the People’s Choice Award.

Our Sponsors and Supporters

This event is part of the Beautification Trust’s annual Eye on Nature children’s environmental education programme and is sponsored by Auckland Council and five southern local boards.

Glen Murphy, Louise Beuvink, Daniel Barthow, Sterling Ruwhiu, Rima Nakhle, and Heather Andrew.

The 2025 Creative Arts Winners 

Kindergarten Winners:

3^rd place, $100: Cascades Kindergarten, ‘Trees Keep our World Alive’

2^nd place, $250: Pakuranga Baptist Kindergarten, ‘Aratakina e te Maroma Guided by the Moon’

1^st place, $500: Aorere Kindergarten, ‘Tiny Hands Grow Happy’

Primary School Winners:

3^rd place, $250: South Auckland Middle School, ‘Polluting the Pacific’

2^nd place, $500: South Auckland Middle School, ‘What Makes our Earth Turn Round’

1^st place, $750: South Auckland Middle School, ‘What Will Your Story Be?’

Other:

Beautification Trust Pick $150: ‘He Aroha ki te Oneone (Loving the Land through What We Grow)’

People’s Choice Awards $150: To be determined