South Auckland schools have made a huge mark at this year’s Beautification Trust’s Eye on Nature Wearable Arts competition, capturing top honours with their innovative and eco-friendly designs.
Held at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, the event saw a sold-out audience marvel at the creative and sustainable garments fashioned by students from various schools across Auckland.
The theme Act Local – Growing with Te Taiao, urged participants to draw inspiration from local conservation efforts and ecosystem restoration.
In the Primary category, the standout was Pasifika Southside Princess crafted by The Green Team from Papatoetoe South School.
The wool and feather headpiece evoked a sense of Pasifika royalty and was recognised for its bold use of reworked materials.
Amy-Lee Roux and Milan Oliver of Pukekohe Christian School stole the top spot in the Intermediate category with their work Terralangi.
The entry impressed the judges with its avant-garde twist and the innovative blend of natural pigments and materials, demonstrating a perfect synergy between functionality and creativity.
Raquel Sheldon from Pukekohe High School won the High School category for the second consecutive year with her entry Rebirth.
Her garment, which incorporated seeds to symbolise new life, was praised for its use of both natural and unconventional materials to advocate for climate action.
The Beautification Trust Pick award went to Cerulean Wilson from Mauri Kura ki Taamaki for Rohe Koreporepo (Sacred Wetlands).
This piece was recognised for its profound thematic depth and commitment to sustainability, earning Cerulean VIP tickets to Whitecliffe College’s Graduate Fashion Show.
Sterling Ruwhiu, Community Programmes Manager of the Beautification Trust, highlighted the significance of this year’s theme in raising environmental awareness.
“In the face of increasing environmental challenges and the rise of youth movements like School Strike 4 Climate, tamariki and rangatahi are making their voices heard,” said Ruwhiu.
“This event gives young people a platform to use art to voice their concerns and hopes for the future of our country,” Ruwhiu added.
Winners List:
Primary Category:
– 1st place ($1,000): “Pasifika Southside Princess” by The Green Team, modeled by Keila Bui from Papatoetoe South School
– 2nd place ($500): “Papatūānuku” by Pebbles Murray from Papatoetoe South School
– 3rd place ($250):”Scholastic Book Club” by Sienna Wang and Sophia Gu, modeled by Chloe Schicker from Karaka School
Intermediate Category:
– 1st place ($1,000): “Terralangi” by Amy-Lee Roux and Milan Oliver, modeled by Milan Oliver from Pukekohe Christian School
– 2nd place ($500):”Hinemārūrū (Buttercup Child)” by Scarlett Wilson from Mauri Kura ki Taamaki
– 3rd place ($250): “Taiao, Te Wahine Toa, Te Harakeke” by Alexandra Stuart-Burton from Glenbrook School
Secondary Category:
– 1st place ($1,000): “Rebirth” by Raquel Sheldon from Pukekohe High School
– 2nd place ($500): “Utopia Lost” by Alice Kuttner and Ellen Zhan, modeled by Alice Kuttner from Pukekohe Christian School
– 3rd place ($250): “Full Cycle” by Arna Vincent and Olivia Gu, modeled by Olivia Gu from Howick College
Beautification Trust Pick:
– “Rohe Koreporepo (Sacred Wetlands)” by Cerulean Wilson from Mauri Kura ki Taamaki
