Winner of Operation ANZAC Spirit 2013, 11 year old Sam Sutcliffe, of Northland with NZ Defence Force Artist, Captain
(CAPT) Matt Gauldie.
Media Release
24 May 2013
Kerikeri Student’s Artwork Wins Defence Competition
A poster showing a soldier’s grave has won 11 year old Sam Sutcliffe, of Kerikeri, first prize in Operation Anzac
Spirit, a competition run by the New Zealand Defence Force as part of Anzac Day.
Sam’s winning poster was chosen from around 400 entries in the competition for Year 7 and 8 students, which asked them
to submit a poster showing what Anzac Day means to them.
The competition was judged by NZ Defence Force Artist, Captain (CAPT) Matt Gauldie, who said judging the competition was
extremely difficult.
"The entries were of such a high standard. I felt Sam’s artwork displayed great creativity, technical ability and a
natural understanding of composition very rare in artists as young as Sam," CAPT Gauldie said.
“This year’s theme 'what Anzac Day means to me' challenged the entrants to re-think traditional Anzac Day themes and
place their own personal experiences and individual family stories into their art. Like Sam’s winning piece, many of the
other finalists showed a high level of artistic maturity and awareness. I am pleased to see young people thinking and
expressing themselves through art in this smartphone generation.”
The top three placegetters were presented with their prizes by Vice Chief of Defence Force, Major General (MAJGEN)Tim
Keating, at a prize-giving ceremony at Defence House today.
MAJGEN Keating said that the Defence Force has been running the students’ competition since 2007 to encourage students
to learn about Anzac Day and its connection to the Defence Force today.
Sam has chosen to spend a day with the Army as his prize. Second place winner, 11 year old Jaimie Hawley of
Christchurch, will spend a day with the Air Force and third place winner, 11 year old Lily Webber, of Franklin, will
spend a day with the Navy.
Four runners up received a NZ Defence Force prize pack: David Frear, 10, of Northland, Graeson McLellan, 11, of Opotiki,
Esther Chung, 12, of Christchurch and Ella Hume, 12, of Masterton.
ENDS