More than $5,500 of camera equipment and gift vouchers are up for grabs in a photo competition being run by Hutt City Council and supported by Hutt News and Cull Cameras of Victoria Street Alicetown. The competition starts on Tuesday 29 May and entries close on 17 July.

Communications manager Kirk MacGibbon said Hutt City was always looking for images to use in publications such as its Annual Plan, Annual Report, in internal presentations and on its website. We want to be able to use pictures that show that Hutt City is a great place to live, work and play.

"We thought a competition would be a new and great way to get some really interesting photos and as well getting people to think about the large number of services and amenities council provides to its residents," said Kirk MacGibbon.

The theme of the competition is: 'The partnership between Council, the community and the environment'

Entrants can choose to explore this partnership in any way they wish, but there should be a focus on 'people' and 'council.' For example, entrants might want to show a family enjoying a picnic on the Petone foreshore, older people taking part in aqua aerobics at one of Hutt City's pools, library staff reading a story to children as part of the after school programme, people working on their boats at Seaview marina or a gathering at one of the city's marae. The Council also maintains a number of sporting grounds, parks and reserves.

Hutt News is supporting the competition and Cull Cameras in Victoria Street Alicetown are providing the prizes.

Photographs can be entered in one of four categories: * Hutt citizens at work and play * Natural beauty * Architectural heritage * Cultural diversity

Special category * Young photographers aged 13 and under.

"We investigated getting a set of photographs done by one of Hutt City's professional photographers, but the sheer number of photographs we wanted made it a very expensive exercise. By using a competition we hopefully get some really good images, while giving something back to the community."

Entrants must live or work in Hutt City. Photographs must be taken within the boundaries of Hutt City.

Entry forms will be available from the main foyer of the Hutt City admin building, Hutt City libraries and services centres, Cull Cameras, the offices of Hutt News, and the Hutt City's website at huttcity.govt.nz

Entries should be marked Attn: Kirk MacGibbon, Hutt City, 30 Laings Road, Private Bag 31912, LOWER HUTT. They can dropped off at the main council buildings or posted.

ENDS

Website: http://www.huttcity.govt.nz

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