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Spirit of Rotorua Photography Competition

The winners of the inaugural Spirit of Rotorua photography competition were officially announced at the Rotorua Arts Village on March 9. All entries formed part of a two week exhibition held at RAVE as part of the 2009 Te Ihi Te Wehi Rotorua Arts Festival.

Supreme winner Dr Martin Kostrewa arrived in Rotorua nearly two years ago and said 'I just love the geothermal activity here - we don't have anything like that in Germany and I get carried away'

Winner of the Spirit of Rotorua Photography Competition
Martin Kostrewa pictured with the Spirit of Rotorua Trophy
(and his daughter Sofie) on awards night.
Photo courtesy of The Daily Post.

Working in conjunction with the Rotorua Camera Club and Rotorua Arts Village, Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing (DRTM) launched the new photo competition in December 2008. The initiative came from the Destination Rotorua Tourism Board chairman, Warren Harford, who saw the results of a similar competition run by Destination Fiordland and thought the idea worth replicating here.

Celebrated New Zealand photographer Ans Westra of Wellington was chief judge along with Wairakei Institute of Technology photography tutor Alex Wilson, Local professional photographer Kelvin Teixeira and DRTM Communications Manager Jill Marshall. Ans said 'Rotorua is a very beautiful place and I believe there are many more photogrpahs yet to be taken'.

Categories/prizes

The Te Ihi Te Wehi Supreme ‘Spirit of Rotorua’ Award:

'Mud Explosion Kuirau Park' by Martin Kostrewa'Mud Explosion Kuirau Park' by Martin Kostrewa was judged the best overall photograph of the competition will receive a $1000 cash prize sponsored by Te Ihi Te Wehi Arts Festival Trust. The winning photograph, along a $7000 ‘Spirit of Rotorua’ jade trophy carved by Robert Singer and sponsored by The Jade Factory, will be on permanent display at the Rotorua Arts Village for the ensuing 12 months.
Jointly sponsored by Te Ihi Te Wehi Arts Festival and The Jade Factory.


The People's Choice Award:

'Wonderland' by Michael TreloarEvent & Venues'Wonderland' by Michael Treloar was voted the winner of the People's Choice Award and won a $250 cash prize. The photograph was entered into the Waimangu Volcanic Valley ‘Spirit of the Earth’ award category; although not a winner, the judges deemed 'Wonderland' worthy of a Very Highly Commended accolade.
Sponsored by Events and Venues.



Waimangu Volcanic Valley $500 ‘Spirit of the Earth’ Award:

'Mud Explosion Kuirau Park' by Martin KostrewaWaimangu Volcanic Valley'Mud Explosion Kuirau Park' by Martin Kostrewa was judged to best capture the spirit of Rotorua’s amazing range of geothermal and volcanic activity and won a $500 cash prize.
Sponsored by Waimangu Volcanic Valley.



Rainbow Springs $500 ‘Discover Nature's Spirit’ Award:

'To the Right Now' by Natascha HartzuikerRainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park'To the Right Now' by Natascha Hartzuiker was judged to best capture the beauty of the nature’s spirit via Rotorua’s lakes, forest and outdoor spaces and won a $500 cash prize.



Sudima Hotel $500 ‘Challenge your Spirit’ Award:

'White Water on the Kaituna' by Ann Woolliams Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua'White Water on the Kaituna' by Ann Woolliams was judged to best capture Rotorua’s adventurous spirit via our many adventure options and won a $500 cash prize.
Sponsored by the Sudima Hotel.



Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort $500 ‘Rejuvenate your Spirit’ Award:

'Artist in the Park' by Colleen VannerWai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort'Artist in the Park' by Colleen Vanner was judged to best capture the spirit of rejuvenation via the myriad of health and wellness option in Rotorua and won a $500 cash prize.
Sponsored by Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort.



NZ Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Te Puia $500 ‘Spirit of a Living Culture’ Award:

'Ma nga Atua' by Peter Graney NZ Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Te Puia'Ma nga Atua' by Peter Graney was judged to best capture the spirit of modern Maori lifestyle in Rotorua (yet still grounded in the ancient traditions) and won a $500 cash prize.
Sponsored by NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia.



Agrodome $250 ‘Spirit of Industry’ Award:

'ICU' by Colleen Vanner Agrodome Sheep Show and Farm Tour'ICU' by Colleen Vanner was judged to best capture the spirit of Rotorua’s farming, forestry or tourism industries and won a $250 cash prize.
Sponsored by Agrodome.



Buried Village $250 ‘Family Spirit’ Award:

'I've Got A Bite' by Peter GraneyBuried Village'I've Got A Bite' by Peter Graney was judged to best capture the spirit of families having fun in Rotorua and won a $250 cash prize.
Sponsored by Buried Village.



Best photograph reflecting Summer in Rotorua:

'Flying High' by Peter GraneyNovotel Lakeside'Flying High' by Peter Graney was judged best photograph reflecting Summer in Rotorua and won a $100 cash prize.
Sponsored by Novotel Rotorua Lakeside.



Best photograph reflecting Winter in Rotorua:

'A Clear Rotorua Winter's Day' by Wendy ArdernBatchelors Photo Centre'A Clear Rotorua Winter's Day' by Wendy Ardern was judged best photograph reflecting Winter in Rotorua and won a $100 cash prize.
Sponsored by Batchelors Photo Centre.



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