2024 Prizes are listed here

GRAND WINNER

‘Best on the Beach’ chosen by Guest Judge Mark Whyte from category winners below.
Wins the Driftwood & Sand Trophy and $100 cash from Cuff Accountants

Public Choice Public Vote

The public want to be hit by the WOW factor, and popular choice will often be something that is highly photogenic and easily recognisable. But, who really knows what will appeal to our discerning voters…?

Most Humorous Public Vote

  • Carve a jade pendant with, Bonz N Stonz, Hokitika
  • Meal at Thatcher & Small, Hokitika
  • $100 cash, sponsored by Hokitika Lions Club

Make them laugh: The voters are looking for anything that puts a smile on their faces. It could be a pun in the title, clever use of materials, or a bit of black humour.

Avant-Garde Award

The judge is looking for a clever conceptual composition using light, form, colour, and texture. Perhaps it will be artistically abstract and carry a message; or it could be remarkably simple.

Best Student Entry

Open to all school age children up to 18 years. The judge will be looking for an impressive beach artwork, taking age into account. Note - student entries are eligible for all other categories. 

Highly Commended Student:

Most Natural

This sculpture will use only what nature has provided on the beach. No foreign fixings and fastenings, no manufactured materials.

Most Ambitious

Come up with a sculpture that challenges the laws of physics... the judge wants to see you stretch the boundaries of time, space, and imagination!

One Ocean Prize

  • NZ Geographic (year subscription) sponsored by DOC
  • Two handcrafted pottery mugs by Maire Hearty

 

Connections Prize

 

An artwork depicting any aspect of our precious life-giving oceans. It could include marine plants or animals, or be a simple conservation message.

 

 

An artwork that best expresses Westland's wide-ranging connections to the world.  A special award for 2024.

 

Judge's Special Award

An artwork or artist that has caught the judge's attention.

Special Prizes & Kids' Prizes

Lucky Voter Prizes

Koha for Judge

 

The Overall winner is chosen from the winners of the other prize categories and takes home the Driftwood & Sand trophy. All other prizes are generously donated by Te Tai Poutini (West Coast) businesses.  We encourage our sponsors to offer prizes with a local or environmental theme, such as adventure activities, accommodation and leisure pursuits that celebrate the diversity of this region.  

Other important sponsors & supporters of the Festival include:
Westland District Council
Lions Club of Hokitika

Ngā mihi nui to all of our generous sponsors!