20 November 2015

Rotorua’s young achievers feature in district library display

They’ve seen the photos several times but Western Heights High School students Katarina Mau Thompson, 18, and Sasha Douglas, 17, still marvel at the artistry on display in the Rotorua Young Achievers 2015 photographic exhibition.

The collection of photos depicting Rotorua’s 45 young achievers is displayed in the Rotorua District Library after being on show at Pak ‘n Save for several weeks.

Ask them for a favourite though and neither mentions their own photo although they are proud of what photographer Andrew Warner produced as a portrait.

John Paul College student Arvin Pingol’s shot of creating fire in a laboratory and Airi Takahashi of Rotorua Girls’ behind the camera are two they particularly like but each photo has its merits, they say.

IMG_5449 faveLibrary Director Jane Gilbert is thrilled to see the display come to the library,

“The library is proud to help showcase our city’s talented youth. We get visitors from many places and all walks of life here and to be able to share some of our region’s success stories with them is a positive experience for everyone involved.”

Rotorua Young Achievers, created by photographer Owen Howard is celebrating its 25th year.

Mr Warner recently took over the photographic reins from Mr Howard who retired two years ago.

His company, Andrew Warner Photography is also a major sponsor along with Pak ‘n Save, Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, Ngati Whakāue Education Trust, Queensberry, Rotorua Review and Rotorua Lakes Council.

The portraits will remain on display throughout November and December and the library is encouraging the Rotorua community to come and view the exhibition,

“Rotorua Young Achievers has become quite iconic as an annual event,” says Mrs Gilbert.

“Not only does is it encourage us all to acknowledge the achievements of our local youth but the portraits themselves are superb and well worth a look.”

Katarina and Sasha are both nearing the end of their time at high school with the last of their exams next week.

Katarina will go on to study a Bachelor of Science majoring in mathematics at Victoria University while Sasha is off to Auckland University to also do a Bachelor of Science degree with a couple of dance papers.

ends

© Scoop Media