The Rangitāiki Community Board has designed a photo competition to gather images that capture the essence of the Rangitāiki area. The competition is open until the end of August and $50 gift cards are on offer for the winners.
Rangitāiki Community Board Chair, Kris Byrne, says the idea for the competition came to fruition after they realised the Board’s strategy document was lacking quality images of the rohe. “We live in such a beautiful area that includes everything from pristine beaches to native forests,” she says. “However, Whakatāne District Council doesn’t have many photos specifically of the Rangitāiki ward on file and we’d like to rectify that.”
Mrs Byrne explains there are three ways to enter the competition. “People can post photos to Instagram and use the hashtag #RCBpic, add photos in the comments section on the Rangitāiki Community Board Facebook post or jump on the Council website and use the online form.”
For reference, the Rangitāiki ward includes the communities of Matatā, Thornton, Awakaponga, Onepū/Braemar, Otakiri, Te Teko, Edgecumbe, Awakeri, Manawahe, Te Mahoe, Paroa, Poroporo, Coastlands, Pikowai and Taiwhakaea.
Mrs Byrne encourages anyone, not just those who live in the ward, to enter the competition. “We know there are some talented photographers out there and we can’t wait to showcase our wonderful community to the wider district,” she says. “There are already several fabulous entries, including stunning sunsets and fishing shots, that will add a great deal of value to future publications.”
The Rangitāiki Community Board Strategic Plan is currently being developed by the Board. It aims to create a vision for the Rangitāiki community; outline pou (focus areas) and objectives; provide a basis for the Board’s submissions; and, acknowledge the Treaty of Waitangi, Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori.
For more information about the photo competition, and the full terms and conditions, visit whakatane.govt.nz/rcb-photo-comp.