Despite persistent rain, the Picture Perfect Easter Trail – Photo Exhibition and Event proved to be a resounding success.

The event, which was held on April 26 after being rained out the week earlier, was a successful collaboration led by Epic Te Puke, transformed Jubilee Park and the Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway into an engaging outdoor gallery.

The Epic Te Puke Team are very grateful to everyone involved in making the event a success, events and promotions manager Rebecca Larsen said.

Epic turnout

“We were absolutely thrilled with the turnout and the incredible community spirit shown by everyone who attended, despite the rain. The talent displayed was outstanding and the collaborative effort from all involved, including the wonderful teams at Harvest Church and Creative Te Puke, truly shone through. A massive thank you to the Te Ara Pathway society for providing such a unique and creative space to showcase our local artists.”

In a statement, Epic Te Puke highlighted Harvest Church for its incredible contribution, providing Easter egg hunts, fun activity stations and energetic dance contests that lifted everyone’s spirits. DJ Storm’s lively tunes kept the park humming throughout the event.

Creative Te Puke was instrumental in conceiving and supporting the photographic contest, which included the challenging task of selecting the finalists.

Images from the Picture Perfect Easter Trail – Photo Exhibition and Event. Photo / Steve Fawcett, Vector Group Charitable Trust

The photographic competition featured three “local” sections: Local Pets (for ages 13 and under), sponsored by Te Puke Veterinary Centre; Local People (Under-16 and Open), sponsored by Sub 10; and Local Places (Under 16 and Open), sponsored by Property Brokers Te Puke – Todd Jenkins and Abby Blain.

Finalists

Five finalists from the People and Places categories had their work proudly displayed on large boards along the Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway, where they will remain for several weeks for trail users to enjoy. The top eight entries in the Pets category were showcased on easels for the event day, after which the young photographers were able to take their artwork home.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for Epic Te Puke, the Creative Te Puke Forum and the Te Ara Kahikatia Pathway to showcase the incredible talents we have right here in Te Puke,” said Creative Te Puke chair Lisa Stowell.

“Seeing the finished photographs on display has been truly inspiring and it would be fantastic to have the opportunity to feature them permanently along the pathway, adding new works each Easter to continue celebrating our community’s creativity.”

Despite the damp conditions, the community showed incredible enthusiasm, with attendees braving the weather to enjoy the local markets, delicious food stalls and free entertainment, including a special appearance by the Easter Bunny.

People enjoying the Picture Perfect Easter Trail – Photo Exhibition and Event. Photo / Steve Fawcett, Vector Group Charitable Trust

More than 300 votes were cast by those walking and biking the trail for the People’s Choice awards, with participants also entered into a draw for fantastic spot prizes. The top spot prize was a Black Thunder bike from MyRide Te Puke, which was won by Imani.

The People’s Choice Award winners, as voted by the community, are:

1st Place (Local Pet Section): Madison Gloyn for Cat with Headphones

2nd Place (Local People Section – Under 16): Monty Coates for Girl with Bubbles

3rd Place (Local Pet Section): Keira Hutchison for Hatchling Chick

Highly Commended (Local Pet Section): Zac Jenson for Golden Lab on Beach

Highly Commended (Local Pet Section): Lexie Schollum for Tigger Exploring

In addition to the People’s Choice awards, Creative Te Puke conducted their own judging process, recognising outstanding talent in each category:

Local Pets (sidehead)

1st: Keira Hutchison – Hatchling Chick

2nd: Madison Gloyn – Cat with Headphones

3rd: Zak Jensen – Golden Lab on Beach

Highly Commended: Millar Mathieson – Miniature Dachshund Jager

Highly Commended: Lexie Schollum – Tigger Exploring

Highly Commended: Lukah Pamment – Tabby Cat

Highly Commended: Sadie Coates – Dogs with Grandad

Highly Commended: Jack Stott – Vizsla on Bridge

Local Places (sidehead)

1st: Quintin Murray – The water hole

2nd: Rebecca Ashmore – Cemetery sunrise

3rd: Fleur Pardoe – Picking kiwi

Highly Commended: Jessica Barnes – 2040244 The Aurora

Highly Commended: Amy Piper – Fern Frond

Local People (sidehead)

1st: Jamie Troughton – Surf kid

2nd: Monty Coates – Girl with bubbles

3rd: Emma McCarroll – Nana’s Birthday

Highly Commended: Sarah Coates – Maternity Silhouette

Highly Commended: Charlotte Piper – Tractor Night