Mazda Foundation Youth Award Winner: Molly Ratana
It may seem like a while ago that we had the Art Awards on display. But, cast your minds back and you’ll remember the brilliant work of Molly Ratana. Her wall hanging, 'Dolly', was recognised with the Mazda Foundation Youth Award. After winning that prize, Molly was invited to share the story behind the work, and let us know a bit more about her future plans:
“When I was younger, I would spend weekends with my auntie creating. We spent time doing everything from sewing to collaging to filmmaking. She taught me that you can find almost everything you need from an op shop and to see the potential in discarded objects. But most importantly, she taught me about the gift of art. Art gives mine and other people's lives purpose.
I feel privileged to be able to spend my free time creating the things I imagine in my mind. Winning the Mazda Foundation Youth Award for the Feilding and District Art Society Awards has made me appreciate and feel more confident in the work I produce.
I was initially not intending on entering my winning entry, 'Dolly' (A hand tufted wall hanging), as it had been sitting in my cupboard for a month unfinished. I felt it wasn't good enough. Until I decided to give it a second chance, complete it and enter it into the competition along with a textile collage I had made. So, I feel encouraged that it was chosen as the winner.
Next year I am intending on pursuing studies in a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Massey University in Wellington and this award money will go towards my fees. This award will make a difference for me financially and allow me to focus on my creative practices. I would like to thank all the people who helped make this achievement possible.”
Congratulations again to Molly, and thank you for giving us an insight into you and your art!
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.5% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.