More than 60 local school children have applied their artistic skills in a competition to create a logo for the newly-formed South East Coromandel Arts Council (SECAC).
Whangamata's SECAC delegate John Norris says the quality of entries was outstanding.
"The selection process was akin to a World Cup Final draw, with excellent
entries from children as young as five.
"After much debate the final five were decided - Natasha Aupouri-TeHuia, Tane Bowden, Jade Tique and Jorja Grace Weir, with Jessica Storey from Whangamata Area School the unanimous winner."
Jessica's prize - a selection of painting materials - was presented to her at school last Thursday. Formerly the Whangamata Community Arts Council, the new logo represents a new image for SECAC, which was renamed to better describe the area it represents - Whangamata, Tairua and Pauanui.
The function of the council is broadly to encourage art-based projects in the region and assist individuals and organisations to access funding.
Vivienne Cory-Wright of Tairua and John Norris from Whangamata are the local delegates to the Thames-Coromandel central funding committee that assesses applications for Creative New Zealand grants through the Thames-Coromandel District Council.
Application forms for Creative New Zealand Creative Communities grants are available from Thames-Coromandel District Council offices four to six weeks before applications close on April 30 and October 31.
Forms are also available online at local libraries. For further information contact John (07) 865 6011 or Lyn (07) 865 9891.
