Media Release

23 January 2015

Could That Wetland Photo Win You An Overseas Trip?

Local entries into an international photo competition for young people to mark World Wetland Day are encouraged by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

The photo competition is open to 15-24 year olds and the winner receives free air travel to a wetland location anywhere in the world.

“There’s been a lot of work in recent years by farmers, volunteers and HBRC to enhance and improve the water quality and ecology of wetlands in Hawke’s Bay, so it could be a great opportunity for a young Hawke’s Bay photographer to profile these fascinating and valuable areas,” says Steve Cave, HBRC’s Manager Open Space Development.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2 February each year and this year the theme is “Wetlands for our Future”. The competition is being promoted by the National Wetland Trust of NZ.

The competition requires a photographer to take a digital photo in a wetland between 2 February and 2 March and upload it to www.worldwetlandsday.org. More details are on the website.

In Hawke’s Bay, there is increasing opportunity to view and photograph a wide range of wetland environments by visiting the public areas in the regional park network.

“Our regional parks, such as Pekapeka south of Hastings, Waitangi at East Clive and Lake Tūtira, provide excellent opportunities for taking photos of wetland landscapes, birdlife and habitats. The best times to take photos are early in the morning or late evening when wildlife are more active,” says Steve Cave.

HBRC would also like to see people sharing their photos of wetlands or regional park on the Council’s Facebook page: HBRegionalCouncil or in local newspapers.

© Scoop Media