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

• A night for a family at Te Nikau Retreat, Punakaiki
• Kayak hire family pass at Waka Puna, Punakaiki
• $100 cash, sponsored by Cuff Accountants

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

• $250 cash, sponsored by Cuff Accountants
• A kayak trip for two with Okarito Kayaks
• 3 nights at a bach with Okarito Holiday Houses

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

• Cruise on Mahinapua Creek with West Coast Scenic Waterways
• Family pass to the West Coast Treetop Walkway
• $50 cash, sponsored by Cuff Accountants

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:

• $25 meal voucher at Stumpers Cafe

Most Natural

• A night for a family at Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motels
• $100 cash, sponsored by Dwan & Andrews Plumbing

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

Most Ambitious

• Free e-bike hire at Hokitika Cycles & Sportsworld
• $100 cash, sponsored by Hokitika Lions Club
• Zipline at the West Coast Treetop Walkway

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

• Flight for 2 in a Heritage Dominie aircraft during Waitangi Weekend sponsored by 150 Years of Connection

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

• Meal voucher for the Beachfront Hotel
• Helihike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides

Special Prizes & Kids' Prizes

• Blue Penguin Trust
• Hokitika Sushi Bar
• Stone Oven Bakery
• Hana Massage
• Meke Food Cart
• Laureen Sadlier
• Stumpers Cafe
• The Hokitika Sandwich Company
• Okarito Sandfly Repellent
• Hokitika's Regent Theatre
• Box of Delights
• Delighted Ice Cream and Dessert Parlour
• Paper Plus Hokitika
• Claire Cut Hair Design

Lucky Voter Prizes

• Stumpers Cafe
• Red Streetwear
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Koha for Judge

• The Hokitika Sandwich Company
• Beachfront Hotel
• Hokitika Sushi Bar
• Heritage Jade