To celebrate 125 years since the Suffragists’ historic victory, The Kate Edger Educational Charitable Trust (KEECT) called for young women in Year 13 (in Auckland and Northland region) to share their views on what this movement means to them now and into the future.
This creative competition sought change-makers who exemplify the courage, determination and community spirit shown by the two Kates – Kate Sheppard and Kate Edger – along with all the women and men, Māori and Pākehā, who were involved in the suffrage campaign.
We asked…
“Rise Above Our Limits ?“
Announcing Our Winning Entry
Many thanks to Timeless Images, our sponsor for this year’s competition.
Winning Entries Received:
To Give You A Helping Hand
- 1st $1000 Cash Prize
- 2nd $300 Cash Prize
- 3rd $200 Cash Prize
To Shine Your Light
Top entries will be showcased online
Rise Above Our Limits - Top Entries
i began my journey a soul without form but my spirit has made a home in this delicate skin and bone,
the soft ridges and harsh edges of my female self divinity my mother taught me not to measure my self worth on the scales because i am more than my body i am the rivers, currents flowing wild with energy i am a portal between nothing and life so why am i weak to show femininity this body is the home i grew up in and i will live in my curves, the peaks and valleys of my finely crafted landscape freckles and scars sprinkled over my skin like a dusting of snowflakes my mind is a thunderstorm and lightning bolts kiss my hips look but do not touch the caress of my fingertips will burn to settle within your skin
—growing up to build a home within myself
Embracing myself and my form for everything I am; overcoming societal barriers especially in regard to femininity. Poem.
Hannah Tarlton-Kahui
My painting symbolises the globe, and the shared limitations we are experiencing whilst separated in our bubbles. The person holding the balloon represents rising above the challenges, with the balloon symbolising optimism and the importance of using it to make the most of the current limitations we face.
Sophie Henwood
My entry is about the mental struggles youth have during this lock-down. Through a stop-motion video I wanted to convey the idea that we all can Stop, Think and Reflect and let go of our negative feelings and have a more positive outlook on life.
Malisha Munidasa
Highly Commended
Natey lives the life of a kiwi
Salty sea A-frames peel from Whangamata’s point break.
Nateys pipeline vision of ocean currents on a mission.
He takes the rip like a highway to the back breakers.
Natey flicks Tama a shaka as he duck dives the shore break.
Flax bushes provide him with a rustling snare of acoustics.
Black sands magnetize his heart with the mana whenua.
Kina and TuaTua source Natey with a hit of protein.
Sunsets of blood red sky as the day turns to night.
The beach clears as families head home for a bite.
Some remain.
Natey and Tama, salt rats of board and fin,
Cutting through the oceans delicate, soft, skin.
What will the roaring swells of last light bring?
With the rise and fall of the oceans sea saw.
Natey waits for a wave, with an almighty roar.
Natey is lifted high into the air,
The face of the wave gives him an almighty scare.
In this might of fury and of nature’s tease,
he drops in and rides the tunnel for a moment of peace.
At this moment worries and troubles seem to ease.
One with the ocean, and spat out as nature’s release.
This is a poem that I wrote about surfing and the passion i have towards it. All though during these times I am unable to go and surf I used my senses and imagination to remember the feel and thoughts associated with riding the ocean.
Nathan Smith
Above:
Sometimes, you can see what you want, you can visualise it but the only thing holding you back is the barrier, the limits that are presented to you. Break through them, and you will be closer to achieving your goals!
Jehaan Fitter
Right:
The figure is physically bound and is unable to move (representing the current limitations due to the pandemic) so they have resorted to using the power of the mind (portrayed by cranes as a symbol of freedom, good fortune and happiness.) This illustrates the creativity/strength of the human spirit.
Austin Melville
“The Astroneer” is a short film I made during lockdown, combining phone footage I had taken in the last few months, and scenes created using what was available to me at home. Quarantine restricted me from physically going places, but with imagination I could still go beyond the stars…
Sam Harrell