Top judging panel for NZflag.com competition

8 November 2004

Top judging panel for NZflag.com competition

Students entering the www.nzflag.com schools' essay and design competition will have their work reviewed by some of New Zealand's most celebrated writers, editors, broadcasters and publishers.

The competition offers year 9 and 10 secondary school students nationwide the opportunity to have their say on the flag debate and how our national identity is portrayed. Students can design a new New Zealand flag or write an essay about "Why New Zealand Should Change its Flag".

"Teachers, students and parents can be reassured by the calibre of the judges. We have drawn on some of New Zealand's most experienced talent to assess the essays and flag designs," said Jo Coughlan, spokeswoman for www.nzflag.com.

"The views of young New Zealanders must be heard in the flag debate. Our top line-up of judges ensures students' entries will be given the serious consideration they deserve and their talent will be recognised by some of the best in the industry. "

Among the regional judges are Joy Cowley, Owen Marshall, Alan Duff, Sarah Kate Lynch, Dame Kate Harcourt, Kate Coughlan and poet Glenn Colquhoun.

Regional judges will be asked to identify a winning essay from each of the eight regions. The top eight essays will be judged by TV3's John Campbell and Sunday Star Times Editor, Cate Brett.

Judging the flag design competition are artist Dick Frizzell, NZ Tourism Chief Executive George Hickton, and John Woollett, a designer from Flagmakers.

"The best flag will need to reflect our New Zealand culture and heritage to the rest of the world however it also has to look good and be practical to reproduce. George will provide the tourism perspective, Dick the artistic perspective and John will provide the reality check on whether it is a practical design to turn into a flag."

The national winner of each competition will spend an all-expenses paid day for themselves and a friend at Weta Workshop in Wellington. Regional finalists will have their designs made into flags.

Entry forms and flyers have been distributed to Social Studies, English and Art department heads nationwide or are available from www.nzflag.com. The Competition closes on 12 November. Winners will be announced week beginning 22 November 2004.

The school with the most students participating in either competition will win a visit from one of the www.nzflag.com Trust endorser list - to find out more visit www.nzflag.com.

ENDS

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