So, where is Ngā Ana Wai?
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Part of the area we now know as Sandringham, was known to local iwi as Ngā Ana Wai or "the Watery Caves” due to the lava caves and tunnels.
As well as lava, plenty of rainwater also flowed into Sandringham from the surrounding hills because the area is low-lying. Eeling was a popular activity in the bountiful waters. The area and local stream, Te Waititiko (also known as Meola Creek) were used for food gathering, hunting, collecting rongoā (medicinal plants), and collecting materials for mahi toi (the arts) such as weaving and dyes.It was covered in cabbage trees and the swampiest part was called... Cabbage Tree Swamp - this part included Gribblehirst Park and Eden Park. Since then, it has been drained to make way for dairy farm paddocks and eventually houses and a famous large stadium.
A huge thank you to each and every one of you who entered the competition.
Imagining Ngā Ana Wai was the inspiration behind our latest art competition and we were blown away by your creativity and imagination. The standard was exceptionally high and the 5 judges had a tough job deciding on the winners.
We were so impressed that we have decided to showcase all of your entries at a special exhibition at Mt Albert Library in June so the Sandringham community can enjoy all of your beautiful images.
A big shout out too to Albert Eden Local Board for sponsoring the competition and to The French Art Shop in Morningside for generously donating art prizes for our highly commended section.
After lots of thought and consideration, we are pleased to announce the prize winners in each category.
As well as lava, plenty of rainwater also flowed into Sandringham from the surrounding hills because the area is low-lying. Eeling was a popular activity in the bountiful waters. The area and local stream, Te Waititiko (also known as Meola Creek) were used for food gathering, hunting, collecting rongoā (medicinal plants), and collecting materials for mahi toi (the arts) such as weaving and dyes.It was covered in cabbage trees and the swampiest part was called... Cabbage Tree Swamp - this part included Gribblehirst Park and Eden Park. Since then, it has been drained to make way for dairy farm paddocks and eventually houses and a famous large stadium.
A huge thank you to each and every one of you who entered the competition.
Imagining Ngā Ana Wai was the inspiration behind our latest art competition and we were blown away by your creativity and imagination. The standard was exceptionally high and the 5 judges had a tough job deciding on the winners.
We were so impressed that we have decided to showcase all of your entries at a special exhibition at Mt Albert Library in June so the Sandringham community can enjoy all of your beautiful images.
A big shout out too to Albert Eden Local Board for sponsoring the competition and to The French Art Shop in Morningside for generously donating art prizes for our highly commended section.
After lots of thought and consideration, we are pleased to announce the prize winners in each category.
WINNERS
Category One - Primary and Intermediate
1st Prize $500 art voucher and billboards around Auckland - Lilou Shahar-Yu
1st Prize Winner - Lilou Shahar-Yu
Artist Statement:
With the birds I got inspired by the nature around me. While I was making the poster I was imagining a colourful poster with lots of different shades of green.
Judges Comments:
"Really complex composition and great design with the native birds. Very eye
catching and shows strong skill In the design."
"An unusual perspective makes this composition stand out.
"An inspiring array of figures that feature forest life and water. Clever use
of colour to evoke nature in our country is very attractive to the eye. The
birds, especially have great character and movement. Great work."
"I was inspired by Lilou’s poster rich in biodiversity – it was like I could hear the birds singing."
"This is a fantastic detailed drawing - well done. Your design with the birds around the edge is sooo good!"
With the birds I got inspired by the nature around me. While I was making the poster I was imagining a colourful poster with lots of different shades of green.
Judges Comments:
"Really complex composition and great design with the native birds. Very eye
catching and shows strong skill In the design."
"An unusual perspective makes this composition stand out.
"An inspiring array of figures that feature forest life and water. Clever use
of colour to evoke nature in our country is very attractive to the eye. The
birds, especially have great character and movement. Great work."
"I was inspired by Lilou’s poster rich in biodiversity – it was like I could hear the birds singing."
"This is a fantastic detailed drawing - well done. Your design with the birds around the edge is sooo good!"
2nd Prize $100 art voucher - Paiges OBrien
2nd Prize $100 art voucher - Paiges OBrien
2nd Prize Winner - Paiges Obrien
Artist Statement:
My poster is inspired by the native wetlands of Ngā Ana Wai Sandringham. In my artwork I have featured New Zealand native birds and plants that are usually found in the local area of Sandringham.
Judges Comments:
"Really creative perspective that shows skill. innovative design with clear representation of the theme through multiple elements. The artist has given the birds a very appealing sense of personality."
"This is a wonderful poster full of exciting colour and movement. It
captures character of birds and movement in nature in dramatic and inspiring fashion. It is highly creative and true to theme."
"You've put a lot of work and thought into this and it shows.
Great drawings and a super clear message. Excellent!"
My poster is inspired by the native wetlands of Ngā Ana Wai Sandringham. In my artwork I have featured New Zealand native birds and plants that are usually found in the local area of Sandringham.
Judges Comments:
"Really creative perspective that shows skill. innovative design with clear representation of the theme through multiple elements. The artist has given the birds a very appealing sense of personality."
"This is a wonderful poster full of exciting colour and movement. It
captures character of birds and movement in nature in dramatic and inspiring fashion. It is highly creative and true to theme."
"You've put a lot of work and thought into this and it shows.
Great drawings and a super clear message. Excellent!"
3rd Prize $50 art voucher - Ada Sutton
3rd Prize Winner - Ada Sutton
Artist Statement:
Hi, my name is Ada Sutton, and I'm 8. For my artwork I have found inspiration from the local birds, cabbage and Pohutukawa trees. I like the history of this area which we studied at school, especially the swamps that used to be in Sandringham. I love our neighborhood. Exploring the parks, going for walks, and joining in community events which are all super fun things to do. It's not just where I live; it's where I belong, and every day is like a big, exciting journey that makes my life awesome
Judges comments:
"Ada’s poster made me feel happy, and her explanation ‘where I belong’ I felt that."
"Detailed design with great use of bold colours with strong representation of the Ngā Ana Wai theme with the native birds and trees."
"This poster has a balanced composition and great energy and colour – I especially liked the touch of the
bird singing. A striking poster. Great work!
"Colourful and thoughtful interpretation of the theme. Very balanced and effective composition. Lovely colours and great use of several different elements! Well done!"
Hi, my name is Ada Sutton, and I'm 8. For my artwork I have found inspiration from the local birds, cabbage and Pohutukawa trees. I like the history of this area which we studied at school, especially the swamps that used to be in Sandringham. I love our neighborhood. Exploring the parks, going for walks, and joining in community events which are all super fun things to do. It's not just where I live; it's where I belong, and every day is like a big, exciting journey that makes my life awesome
Judges comments:
"Ada’s poster made me feel happy, and her explanation ‘where I belong’ I felt that."
"Detailed design with great use of bold colours with strong representation of the Ngā Ana Wai theme with the native birds and trees."
"This poster has a balanced composition and great energy and colour – I especially liked the touch of the
bird singing. A striking poster. Great work!
"Colourful and thoughtful interpretation of the theme. Very balanced and effective composition. Lovely colours and great use of several different elements! Well done!"
Highly commended - $30 art voucher prizes go to:
- Aarna
- Phoebe Gladding
- Grace Wall Shaw
- John Trowbridge
- Lucy Martin
Highly commended - winner of an art pack generously donated from The French Art Shop
- Mishika Chawla
- Lou Silcock
Category Two - High School
1st Prize $500 art voucher and poster featured on billboards around Auckland - Benjamin Gladding
Benjamin Gladding - 1st Prize High School Competition
Artist Statement:
I chose to include a Tui because I enjoy watching Tui in our Pohutakawa tree at home and in Spring they love the blossom trees in my street. I tried to incorporate the maunga too to represent the mountains around us. I do archery at Ōwairaka, and I enjoy walking up Maungawhau. I feel lucky to have these mountains in our local area. My art work was done with digital software. I found it relaxing to draw the Tui and the landscape
Judges Comments:
'Bold image with clear connections to the native heritage of Sandringham. Design shows skill and innovation.'
'The sense of depth and connection to the maunga is effective.'
'It shows exemplary skill in design and colour choices made for highly effective posters. It is not over-complicated by too many shapes and colours and therefore is visually pleasing and most effective in conveying
information. Excellent work.'
'A very intelligent and eye-pleasing entry. Well done Benjamin!'
I chose to include a Tui because I enjoy watching Tui in our Pohutakawa tree at home and in Spring they love the blossom trees in my street. I tried to incorporate the maunga too to represent the mountains around us. I do archery at Ōwairaka, and I enjoy walking up Maungawhau. I feel lucky to have these mountains in our local area. My art work was done with digital software. I found it relaxing to draw the Tui and the landscape
Judges Comments:
'Bold image with clear connections to the native heritage of Sandringham. Design shows skill and innovation.'
'The sense of depth and connection to the maunga is effective.'
'It shows exemplary skill in design and colour choices made for highly effective posters. It is not over-complicated by too many shapes and colours and therefore is visually pleasing and most effective in conveying
information. Excellent work.'
'A very intelligent and eye-pleasing entry. Well done Benjamin!'
Category Three - Open Competition
1st Prize $500 art voucher and art featured on billboards around Auckland - Raymond Rapira
Raymond Rapira - 1st Prize
Open Competition
Artist Statement:
The intention of my artwork was to paint the swamp landscape the Ngā Ana Wai area was in the past. Focal point is the water caves surrounded by Ti Kouka " cabbage tree" with two maunga representing Maungawhau (Mt Eden) and Ōwairaka (Mt Albert). The bright colors represent vibrancy and life of Ngā Ana Wai. The past, present and future of Nga Ana Wai is connected by the swamp landscape (past) and vibrancy of colors (present and future).
Judges comments:
"This vibrant piece stood out as it represents the life of Ngā Ana Wai the connections of past, present and future."
"Really original and innovative design with incredible bold use of colours that is exciting
to look at. Excellent representation of the theme with a clear connection to Ngā Ana
Wai. Exciting and striking use of colour and composition. This work is truly impressive. It conveys a unique and original style that is both eye-catching in the moment and very memorable – hallmarks of
a great poster. It cannot be faulted in terms creativity, colour, theme and
inspiration. Its overall vibrancy is key and cleverly achieved.
Excellent work well done."
"Vibrant, lively and eye-catching. A strong entry - well done!"
The intention of my artwork was to paint the swamp landscape the Ngā Ana Wai area was in the past. Focal point is the water caves surrounded by Ti Kouka " cabbage tree" with two maunga representing Maungawhau (Mt Eden) and Ōwairaka (Mt Albert). The bright colors represent vibrancy and life of Ngā Ana Wai. The past, present and future of Nga Ana Wai is connected by the swamp landscape (past) and vibrancy of colors (present and future).
Judges comments:
"This vibrant piece stood out as it represents the life of Ngā Ana Wai the connections of past, present and future."
"Really original and innovative design with incredible bold use of colours that is exciting
to look at. Excellent representation of the theme with a clear connection to Ngā Ana
Wai. Exciting and striking use of colour and composition. This work is truly impressive. It conveys a unique and original style that is both eye-catching in the moment and very memorable – hallmarks of
a great poster. It cannot be faulted in terms creativity, colour, theme and
inspiration. Its overall vibrancy is key and cleverly achieved.
Excellent work well done."
"Vibrant, lively and eye-catching. A strong entry - well done!"
2nd Prize - $100 art voucher - Neil Marsh
Neil Marsh - 2nd Prize
Open Competition
Artist Statement:
This idea combines two important threads. The natural heritage of our area and the cultural. The natural is expressed by the outline of Ōwairaka, our former volcano in the background, along with the cabbage tree motif. Chosen because as well as being a native plant to Aotearoa it occupies a special place in our area as it was the feature that gave rise to the historic name of cabbage tree swamp. However, cyclone Gabriel aside, a swamp no more and we are lucky to live in an area rich in different cultures and colours. This richness and diversity is expressed through the different colours of cabbage tree leaves woven through the native green of the original tree. This speaks to an interweaving of cultures weaving through the native heritage and contributing to make Sandringham the community it is to
Judges Comments:
"Really beautiful use of cohesive colours in this very eye catching design. Shows
great understanding and connection to the theme."
"The way the tī kōuka leaves echo a volcanic explosion is striking and intriguing, and the balance of bright and dark colours is very effective."
"The artist is a prolific contributor to this competition. Congratulations on this generosity and skill. This poster is eye-catching and clear in its message. It brings a liveliness with colour choice and shaping."
"Great work, this would make a beautiful artwork. An intelligent and thoughtfully executed entry. Well done."
'
This idea combines two important threads. The natural heritage of our area and the cultural. The natural is expressed by the outline of Ōwairaka, our former volcano in the background, along with the cabbage tree motif. Chosen because as well as being a native plant to Aotearoa it occupies a special place in our area as it was the feature that gave rise to the historic name of cabbage tree swamp. However, cyclone Gabriel aside, a swamp no more and we are lucky to live in an area rich in different cultures and colours. This richness and diversity is expressed through the different colours of cabbage tree leaves woven through the native green of the original tree. This speaks to an interweaving of cultures weaving through the native heritage and contributing to make Sandringham the community it is to
Judges Comments:
"Really beautiful use of cohesive colours in this very eye catching design. Shows
great understanding and connection to the theme."
"The way the tī kōuka leaves echo a volcanic explosion is striking and intriguing, and the balance of bright and dark colours is very effective."
"The artist is a prolific contributor to this competition. Congratulations on this generosity and skill. This poster is eye-catching and clear in its message. It brings a liveliness with colour choice and shaping."
"Great work, this would make a beautiful artwork. An intelligent and thoughtfully executed entry. Well done."
'
3rd Prize - $50 art voucher - Yasmina Gillies
Yasmina Gillies - 3rd Prize
Open Competition
Artist Statement:
Te toto o te tangata, he kai; te oranga o te tangata, he whenua. While food provides the blood in our veins, our health is drawn from the land. The Roy Clements treeway hosts native bush, a freshwater spring and the Waitītiko creek. Through local efforts this polluted swampland was replanted and transformed into the urban sanctuary that it is today. I painted the treeway as an entranceway that connects us with the past, present and future. When we are in this natural space, we anchor ourselves into the present. We also consider the seeds and saplings planted over 30 years ago and cast our minds further back to the pre-colonial past of this area. We connect with the future as we continue to care for this place for generations to come. Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua. I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on the past.
Judges Comments:
"Beautiful, innovative design that shows incredible skill. The path draws the viewer into the artwork – an effective sense of depth and texture. A pathway and keyhole view into the natural world, is portrayed here."
"Involvement with our Environment is advocated. The colour palette is
muted and dream-like. Unlike many posters, it is a subtle invitation, more
than a hard-edged promotion."
"A beautiful and soothing peek into our past. Wonderfully interpreted and presented!"
Te toto o te tangata, he kai; te oranga o te tangata, he whenua. While food provides the blood in our veins, our health is drawn from the land. The Roy Clements treeway hosts native bush, a freshwater spring and the Waitītiko creek. Through local efforts this polluted swampland was replanted and transformed into the urban sanctuary that it is today. I painted the treeway as an entranceway that connects us with the past, present and future. When we are in this natural space, we anchor ourselves into the present. We also consider the seeds and saplings planted over 30 years ago and cast our minds further back to the pre-colonial past of this area. We connect with the future as we continue to care for this place for generations to come. Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua. I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on the past.
Judges Comments:
"Beautiful, innovative design that shows incredible skill. The path draws the viewer into the artwork – an effective sense of depth and texture. A pathway and keyhole view into the natural world, is portrayed here."
"Involvement with our Environment is advocated. The colour palette is
muted and dream-like. Unlike many posters, it is a subtle invitation, more
than a hard-edged promotion."
"A beautiful and soothing peek into our past. Wonderfully interpreted and presented!"
Highly commended mentions go to the following artists:
Artist - Fleur Sutton
Judges Comments:
"An exciting, intricate, and very appealing entry. A fantastic interpretation - congratulations!"
"This poster is exemplary and very impressive. It is professionally rendered to very high Standard. It has all the hallmarks of great design. It is very highly commended on the basis of creativity and well-trained design-based style."
Judges Comments:
"An exciting, intricate, and very appealing entry. A fantastic interpretation - congratulations!"
"This poster is exemplary and very impressive. It is professionally rendered to very high Standard. It has all the hallmarks of great design. It is very highly commended on the basis of creativity and well-trained design-based style."
Fleur Sutton - Highly commended
Artist - Rewa Grimsdale
Judges Comments:
"Very intricate and well-applied lines form impressive designs in two renditions. Their interpretation of the theme are impressive, especially in their references to Māori culture. The artist is to be congratulated on this contribution and encouraged to continue creatively. Additions of colour palette could be a way forward as could experimenting with more texture and mixed media."
"Incredibly innovative and original design, with elements that relate to the Ngā Ana Wai theme well."
Judges Comments:
"Very intricate and well-applied lines form impressive designs in two renditions. Their interpretation of the theme are impressive, especially in their references to Māori culture. The artist is to be congratulated on this contribution and encouraged to continue creatively. Additions of colour palette could be a way forward as could experimenting with more texture and mixed media."
"Incredibly innovative and original design, with elements that relate to the Ngā Ana Wai theme well."
Rewa Grimsdale - Highly commended.
Artist - Neil Marsh
Judges Comments
"Consistency in colour palette, shapes, forms and composition with the
four other posters offered to this competition by this artist are appreciated. So are the variations amongst the four. This poster is one of those four dominated by large font but remains impressive as part of a series. Work well rendered and impressive."
"Clear and concise with a touch of the whimsical. I love the eyes on the Ruru!"
Judges Comments
"Consistency in colour palette, shapes, forms and composition with the
four other posters offered to this competition by this artist are appreciated. So are the variations amongst the four. This poster is one of those four dominated by large font but remains impressive as part of a series. Work well rendered and impressive."
"Clear and concise with a touch of the whimsical. I love the eyes on the Ruru!"
Neil Marsh - Highly commended
