Make some junk funky

Te Puna Quarry Park will be getting funky with junk on Sunday, March 11 and organisers are calling for children, families, groups and anyone who wants to "have a go" to enter the annual art competition that makes treasures from trash.

The Funky Junk contest, now in its sixth year, promotes the creation of art from recycled and found objects and a special prize this year will be awarded for the best piece made from natural materials only.

The artworks in this category must be made on the day at the quarry with materials brought in or found on site.

Other cash prizes are on offer for creativity, the people's choice award and in the children's section.

Exhibitors may set up from 9.30am on the day and the show will be open from 10am to 3pm. All entries must be removed at the end of the day.

The contest forms part of the Sustainable Backyards month programme co-ordinated by Tauranga Environment Centre.

The centre runs a Funky Junk depot at its premises at the Historic Village in 17th Ave and entrants may source materials for the contest there.

"The depot will be open as usual on Wednesdays between 9am and noon," said Emma van de Molen, "and especially on Sunday, March 4, for participants wanting to source materials for the contest.

"To celebrate the Funky Junk contest, new membership for the depot is discounted until March 11 to $15 for a family or individual, or $40 for an organisation."

For more information or for an entry form, contact Emma by phoning 578 6664 or emailing funkyjunk@envirohub.org.nz

Entry is free.