Rotorua's Wearable Creationz draws to a close

The 2012 Wearable Creationz event will be the last for Rotorua, with the Rotorua Creative Art Trust announcing its decision to cease operation this year.

Trust chairman, Barbara Cook, said today the decision had been an extremely difficult and sad one to make for all

of the trustees, and was one that has not been made lightly.

"The trust has been running this event on a voluntary basis for the past 11 years, ably supported by a number of people and organisations who have worked tirelessly to make Wearable Creationz a significant success year on year.

"Wearable Creationz has become a huge event and it has been an incredible journey. It has been a very personal and significant experience for each of us in that time.

"As a group and as individuals, we believe it is time for a new challenge and other experiences and have made the decision to cease operation. While this has been a very difficult decision to make for us all, we know it is the right time.''

Since Wearable Creationz was first launched in 2001, more than 1200 wearable entries have been submitted, an estimated 11,000 people have been involved in the shows, and approximately 16,000 tickets have been sold.

"We know that Wearable Creationz has made a significant contribution to our local communities, and in particular, to the region's schools and young people who have grown and developed with the event.

"It was very encouraging and inspiring this year to see some of the entrants who had experienced Wearable

Creationz in its early days when they were at primary school, now appearing on stage themselves.

"The past 11 years have been extremely rewarding for me personally and I have thoroughly enjoying working with my fellow trustees on this amazing journey. We will always treasure the friendships made and the opportunities provided, and I'm extremely proud of our achievements together. Everyone involved should take great pride in what we have been able to accomplish in our community.''

Mrs Cook said the trust had been open to other interests taking on the production of the event in the future,

however, this did not seem likely at this stage.

"We have informed as many of our key sponsors, supporters and suppliers as possible of this decision, and we want to thank everyone again for their support over the years.

"We know that Rotorua is the benefactor of having such businesses, organisations, companies and trusts who had faith in the Rotorua Creative Art Trust Team to bring'the' event to so many people.''