MEDIA RELEASE
18 June, 2010 – For immediate release
[STARTS]
Winning wearable wonders
The fusion of fashion and farming amazed the hundreds of spectators at the Ag Art Wear awards presentation. The annual
competition attracted 52 entries across 4 categories and left the judges with hard decisions when deciding winners.
The presentation of the garments gave the audience a fashionably funky performance showing the wearable art to its full
potential. The crowd were mesmerised with the highly praised and Under 21 and section winner and Peoples Choice winner,
Tui Tara. Designed by Tessa Paaymaru the piece is made from seeds, beans and Tui bottle tops to resemble the New Zealand
native Tuatara and the Australian frilled lizard. The Runner Up of the Under 21 category, was won by Allegra Peterken
with her piece Slightly Gaga.
The winner of the couture section, Avante Garde went to Bill Paul with his creation High Flyer. Incorporating raupo,
plastic wrap and super jack sliced totara, the piece takes the shape of an aeroplane with a rotating propeller. The
judges found it too hard a decision to select just one second place, therefore Artemin Goddess of the Hunt by Kimberly
Baars and Lady Venus by Corinne Heintze, share the Runner Up title.
Landcare Awareness winner Te Awatar, took inspiration from the New Zealand landmark the Waikato River. Designed by Nga
Puti Puti O Te Roopu Raranga the garment combines the importance of the river to the people of Waikato and the
environmental aspects the mighty river encounters. Nga Puti Puti O Te Roopu Raranga also took out the Runner Up award
with the long-drop themed piece, Bums Up.
The Designer/Traditional winner did not take the name of the section too literally. Betty Park’s muse was the famous
socialite, Paris Hilton. She used seed bags, old tin, wire clips and potato bags to signify the celebrity. Colleen Mark
was awarded as the Runner Up of the section with a contemporary dress interpreting the villainous tear-causing onion.
Ag Art Wear is proudly supported by; NZ Landcare Trust, HRV, Snapshot Cameras, Event Lighting LTD, Classic Hits, The
Make Up Studio, 4 Seasons Home & Leisure and The Sample Room. For further information regarding the competition contact Gemma Antoniadis on 07 843 4499
or email gemmaa@fieldays.co.nz.
New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays will be held 16 to 19 June, 2010 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, ten minutes
south of Hamilton. Fieldays is proudly supported by strategic partners; The National Bank and the University of Waikato.
[ENDS]