Dear Collective Members,
Well , what a year we have had already! We kicked things off with a hugely successful Harcourts Challenge, and that was no small feat given the shocking weather events surrounding the weekend. Both the writing and visual arts judges were so impressed with calibre of work
Ron Left stated "I was blown away with the energy of the arts community in Whangamata, and so enjoyed conversing with some of the artists and audience, it was a privilege to be there"
Although Michael Moynahan (writing judge) wasn't able to be at the awards in person we managed to zoom him in to hear his comments and award winners. He too said " such a variety of work which was a pleasure to read "
Award winners:
North
1st: Lena McKillop “True North on an Eastern shore”
2nd: Jesse Macaw “The North Poll”
East
1st: Maree Burt “Morning Light”
2nd: Mandy Henson “King of the Eastern Seas”
South
1st: Kieran Taylor “South Pacific Enchanted Lovers”
2nd: Daphne Inglis “Kiri South Pacific Goddess”
West
1st: Sue Jamieson “West Meets East”
2nd: Lena McKillop “With her back to the West”
Supreme Award
Lena McKillop “True North on an Eastern Shore”
People's Choice
Donna McDonald “Arctic Latte”
Youth
1st: Sage Dunn
2nd: Kirsty Houghton
3rd: Jai Airey
Creative Writing Winners
1st: Pippa Airey – The Direction We Carry
2nd: Caryl Cullen – The SurferA sincere thank you to everyone who supported the event in so many ways. Your time, energy, creativity, and community spirit truly shone through.
I’m delighted to share that we came out on top, finishing with a profit of $856.79 — a wonderful result for the Collective.
Thank you also for the thoughtful feedback received. It has now been collated and will certainly help inform our planning for the 2027 Challenge. Speaking of planning, we are already working on an exciting programme of workshops for 2027, scheduled to begin in April. These will be confirmed once our facilitators have locked in their availability — watch this space!
Our next major focus is, of course, the Easter Art Trail, taking place over Easter weekend on Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 April. For our newer members, if you would like to be involved in a hub or are interested in hosting one please get back to the Collective as soon as possible. We are working within a tight timeframe to finalise maps and marketing, so early responses are greatly appreciated. For previous hub hosts please confirm that you will be opening in April.
Please also keep an eye out for upcoming meeting dates regarding the Trail , where we will confirm hub requirements and ensure everything is in place for another vibrant and successful event.
Thank you again for being part of such a supportive, energetic creative community. It’s shaping up to be another inspiring year ahead, and we look forward to sharing it with you all.
Warmly,
The Collective
NB: Membership subscriptions of $30 are due on the 1st April 2026. These can be paid online to Arts Collective Whangamata 02-1254-0026782-00 Particulars:Your name Ref:Sub
Well , what a year we have had already! We kicked things off with a hugely successful Harcourts Challenge, and that was no small feat given the shocking weather events surrounding the weekend. Both the writing and visual arts judges were so impressed with calibre of work
Ron Left stated "I was blown away with the energy of the arts community in Whangamata, and so enjoyed conversing with some of the artists and audience, it was a privilege to be there"
Although Michael Moynahan (writing judge) wasn't able to be at the awards in person we managed to zoom him in to hear his comments and award winners. He too said " such a variety of work which was a pleasure to read "
Award winners:
North
1st: Lena McKillop “True North on an Eastern shore”
2nd: Jesse Macaw “The North Poll”
East
1st: Maree Burt “Morning Light”
2nd: Mandy Henson “King of the Eastern Seas”
South
1st: Kieran Taylor “South Pacific Enchanted Lovers”
2nd: Daphne Inglis “Kiri South Pacific Goddess”
West
1st: Sue Jamieson “West Meets East”
2nd: Lena McKillop “With her back to the West”
Supreme Award
Lena McKillop “True North on an Eastern Shore”
People's Choice
Donna McDonald “Arctic Latte”
Youth
1st: Sage Dunn
2nd: Kirsty Houghton
3rd: Jai Airey
Creative Writing Winners
1st: Pippa Airey – The Direction We Carry
2nd: Caryl Cullen – The SurferA sincere thank you to everyone who supported the event in so many ways. Your time, energy, creativity, and community spirit truly shone through.
I’m delighted to share that we came out on top, finishing with a profit of $856.79 — a wonderful result for the Collective.
Thank you also for the thoughtful feedback received. It has now been collated and will certainly help inform our planning for the 2027 Challenge. Speaking of planning, we are already working on an exciting programme of workshops for 2027, scheduled to begin in April. These will be confirmed once our facilitators have locked in their availability — watch this space!
Our next major focus is, of course, the Easter Art Trail, taking place over Easter weekend on Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 April. For our newer members, if you would like to be involved in a hub or are interested in hosting one please get back to the Collective as soon as possible. We are working within a tight timeframe to finalise maps and marketing, so early responses are greatly appreciated. For previous hub hosts please confirm that you will be opening in April.
Please also keep an eye out for upcoming meeting dates regarding the Trail , where we will confirm hub requirements and ensure everything is in place for another vibrant and successful event.
Thank you again for being part of such a supportive, energetic creative community. It’s shaping up to be another inspiring year ahead, and we look forward to sharing it with you all.
Warmly,
The Collective
NB: Membership subscriptions of $30 are due on the 1st April 2026. These can be paid online to Arts Collective Whangamata 02-1254-0026782-00 Particulars:Your name Ref:Sub
