Photo contest creates Buller social buzz

Christchurch man Nathan Secker’s photograph of a family silhouetted in the sunset took first place, and another nine photos taken over summer in the district have also won prizes supplied by Buller businesses.

Promoting Buller Chair Jessie Creedmore says the entries were a stunning showcase, a visual journal through Buller.

“We had no idea this initiative would be embraced so fully. Our communities were ready to celebrate Buller - evidenced by the volume of photos entered, the engagement across social media, all the positive feedback, and supportive coverage by local media.

“The photos entered are of every corner of our district - taken by people of all ages and photographic ability from 'barely picked up a camera' to professional photographers.”

Promoting Buller launched the competition to gather a database of visual images to help show what a fantastic place Buller is to live, work, play and invest.

They will be curated into a digital library but for now can be seen via the Buller NZ Facebook page and Buller NZ Instagram page.

Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine enjoyed being a judge.

He congratulated the Promoting Buller group’s initiative as “a great idea”.

EPIC Westport Chief Executive and fellow judge Tash Barnes Dellaca agreed.

"I found the photos absolutely incredible—they make me want to get out and explore our own backyard. More importantly, I think they could be highly compelling in encouraging visitors to experience the region,” she said.

Other judges were former Buller High Principal Peter Robertson, Buller High student and Youth Voice Kawatiri Co-Chair Toroa Charteris of Charleston and Sport Tasman Community Outcomes Advisor Tara Papworth of Reefton.

Photography Competition Winners & Prizes

Overall Winner:

• Photographer: Nathan Secker
• Caption: Sun and surf - Punakaiki, West Coast South Island
• Prize: Underworld Adventures - Rafting for two (Value: $490)

Category Winners:

• Alana Cronin – The Little Wanganui girl squad at Flagstaff Beach, Karamea
  Prize: The Brewer's Night Inn - 1 night’s accommodation (Value: $400)

• Lisa Bradshaw – Beautiful swimming spot between Reefton and Blacks Point
  Prize: Oparara Guided Tours - Guided Cave Tour for 1 adult (Value: $155)

• Alison Parish – Missing Westport
  Prize: Little Wanganui Hotel - 1 night’s accommodation in a Medium Cabin (sleeps 4) and $50 Meal Tab (Value: $150)

• Anita Kay – A perfect morning to be at the beach – Westport
  Prize: Gentle Annie Seaside Accommodation - 1 free night’s camping on an unpowered site, and a hot-tub session for a couple (Value: $150)

• HaeRan Eum – Holiday photos at Gentle Annie
  Prize: Paddle 'N Carve (Punakaiki) - Paddle 'N Carve Package for 1 adult (Value: $120)

• Hanka Vojtechovska – Just another amazing sunset on the beach – Karamea
  Prize: Shortjaw Brewing - Two Trucker hats and a $50 voucher (Value: $120)

• Casey Brown – Punakaiki Sunset. New Year's Eve
  Prize: Heritage Jewellers Westport - Gents digital watch (Value: $59)

• Fabian Yukich – An amazing way to spend an afternoon in hot pools – Maruia
  Prize: Heritage Jewellers Westport - Ladies/Kids analogue watch (Value: $59)

• Toby Griffith-Jones – Indie and Tai at Hector Beach
  Prize: Alfresco’s Eatery & Historic Villas - $50 voucher