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Introduction

The winning shot in the Ō Tū Wharekai Wetland Restoration Project photo competition went beyond the usual ‘chocolate box cover’ announced the Department of Conservation today.

Date:  23 May 2010

The winning shot in the Ō Tū Wharekai Wetland Restoration Project photo competition went beyond the usual ‘chocolate box cover’ announced the Department of Conservation today.

The photo competition held to celebrate International Year of Biodiversity attracted a staggering 70 entries, showcasing remarkable landscapes, wild creatures and people enjoying the area.

Mt Guy and Lake Clearwater from above Mystery Lake.
The winning shot
Image: Catherine Sintenie ©

“The overall competition winner was Catherine Sintenie who will receive a 20 minute helicopter ride for four over the wetlands,” said Wendy Sullivan, Project Coordinator for Ō Tū Wharekai.

“Catherine’s image of the Lake Clearwater moraines depicted the project perfectly, which is a mosaic of wetlands set in wide open high country landscapes.”

Ō Tū Wharekai is a really diverse and important region that represents one of the most intact wetlands in New Zealand. The project includes the braided upper reaches of the Rangitata River, and the 12 lakes that make up the Ashburton Lakes, along with ephemeral turfs, streams, swamps and bogs.

There were also first and second place winners for six categories, each winning a prize. The judging panel included guest judge, local photographer Don Geddes, who was impressed with the quality of photos that came in.

Eleven year old Nicholas Rowe won the aspiring photographer category with his photo of his Carew Peel Forest school mates studying scabweed in the upper Rangitata River.

All the photo competition entries are now on display at the Ashburton Library until 6 June, and then a selection will be displayed at Our City O-Tautahi, Christchurch, 30 August to 1 October.

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