Judging Panel To Select Winning Stamp Designs

26 May 2006

Talented Judging Panel To Select Winning Stamp Designs

New Zealand Post announced today that six notable and distinguished New Zealanders will choose the winning designs for the 2006 Design a Stamp competition.

Leading the judging panel is award-winning author and illustrator Lynley Dodd, creator of the much-loved Hairy Maclary stories. Lynley is joined by acclaimed visual artist Michael Tuffery, and design professional Aaron McKirdy, who has worked for top design agencies in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Hon Judith Tizard - a stalwart supporter of the arts in New Zealand - will also be involved in the judging, as will sports personality, ballroom dancing hero and champion for children's literacy, Norm Hewitt.

The judges will be joined by John Allen, Chief Executive of New Zealand Post, who will bring to the panel both his knowledge of stamps and his passion for children's art and literature.

The Design a Stamp competition opened to school children throughout New Zealand in April 2006 and the final day for entries is today, Friday 26 May. New Zealand Post reports that thousands of entries have been received and the quality of designs is extremely high.

Following deliberation by the judges, ten winning designs will be announced on 12 June 2006. Each winner will receive a $500 Kiwibank account, a New Zealand Post annual stamp album and stamp collectable packs, $1500 cash for their school and - most importantly - the opportunity to have their winning design showcased all over New Zealand and the world as the artwork on a stamp.

Designs must be based on the theme "What Christmas means to Me", and the winning entries will be printed on New Zealand Post's 2006 Christmas stamp issue.

ENDS

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