Competition encourages students to celebrate NZ outdoors

30 January 2017

National competition encourages students to celebrate NZ outdoors

A national competition celebrating enjoyment of New Zealand’s great outdoors begining today, with Kiwi primary and intermediate school children encouraged to photograph, draw and describe their favourite outdoor places.

The annual Top Outdoor Spot competition is hosted on the New Zealand Walking Access Commission’s Both Sides of the Fence education website, and will feature the photos, drawings and descriptions in a public gallery.

New Zealand Walking Access Commission chief executive Eric Pyle said the Top Outdoor Spot competition was a good way for children to celebrate their love of the outdoors and to consider what makes the outdoors special to them.

“Enjoyment of the outdoors is a big part of our culture, and this competition helps young people to treasure the tradition of outdoor access Kiwis enjoy.

First, second and third place will be chosen by the Commission’s Board in the Best Photo, Best Drawing, and Best Description categories. Prize sponsors this year include a number of organisations that have supported the Top Outdoor Spot competition in previous years, including Skellerup, Macpac, the Mountain Safety Council and the Cancer Society NZ. Publishers Potton & Burton and sporting goods company Packaworld are also sponsoring the event this year.

“We’re really privileged to have such great outdoor companies and organisations helping us promote the competition, with great prizes that kids will love,” Mr Pyle said.

The Top Outdoor Spot competition will run from 30 January to 7 May 2017. While the competition is designed primarily for children in years 4-8, any student enrolled in a New Zealand school is eligible to enter and win.

More information about the competition can be found on The Both Sides of the Fence education website (www.bothsidesofthefence.org.nz). The site supports teachers by providing animated videos, an e-book and curriculum-aligned outdoor education materials to help primary and intermediate school teachers introduce students to responsible behaviour in the outdoors.

ENDS

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