Wanted: Writers To Uncover West's Unique History

By international standards Waitakere might be considered a young city, but there is no denying that the West possesses a unique and fascinating history.

From its hardy indigenous people, to the gum fields and vineyards which brought the first European settlers to Waitakere in numbers, the city is bursting with stories just waiting to be told.

And it is tales of local history that the JT Diamond Essay Competition aims to uncover.

Coordinated by the West Auckland Historical Trust and Waitakere Library and Information Services, the annual event offers adults (excluding professional writers) and students a chance to write essays in numerous categories relating to the city’s history.

For the first time in 2009 a new category – The Morris Photographic Prize – will be added to the JT Diamond Essay Competition.

The category will be an award for an essay which uses as its starting point an historic photograph from the Waitakere library’s collection and compares it with a photograph of today, linking the past with the present to make a record for the future.

Councillor Judy Lawley, Chair of the Culture and Community Committee, says it’s fantastic to see the competition extended again.

“This wonderful opportunity for writers becomes more significant each year,” she says.

“We've had the diamond prize donated by Franich Jewellers and the tremendous growth of the children's section involving our schools and now a new prize. This is all part of remembering and celebrating the heritage of the West.”

Entries are open until August 21, 2009.

For the full details of the JT Diamond Essay Competition including accepted topics, entry forms and prizes, visit a branch of the Waitakere Libraries, go to www.waitakerelibs.govt.nz, or call the West Auckland Historical Society on 836 5917.

ENDS

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