South Auckland tamariki are showing off their crafty creativity these school holidays, competing for cash prizes and art supply vouchers for their schools.
The Eye on Nature Creative Arts competition, hosted by the Beautification Trust, invites kindergarten and primary school students to create original artwork using sustainable materials and re-purposed waste.
“It’s all about teaching tamariki to love the environment and live more sustainably in a fun and creative way,” says Beautification Trust Community Manager Dawn Crispe.
The youngsters’ unique creations will be on display at a free exhibition at the Auckland Botanic Gardens during the October school holidays, where the public can vote on their favourites for the People’s Choice Award.
Tamariki have been challenged to create their eco-friendly masterpieces around the theme; ‘Incredible Kai’; exploring the food cycle and how it impacts the environment.
“Reducing and diverting food waste from landfill and lowering the environmental impact of food production are vital parts of solving the climate crisis,” says Crispe.
The Beautification Trust hosts the annual event as part of its award-winning children's environmental education programme, Eye on Nature. The event is sponsored by Auckland Council and the six southern local boards.
Schools and kindergartens can find out more and enter on the Beautification Trust's website. Entries close Wednesday 14 September 2022.