'Celebrating NZ' Through Major Creative Challenge

‘Celebrating New Zealand’ Through Major Creative Challenge

We may grizzle at times and when we’re really down even contemplate the unthinkable - moving across ‘The Ditch’. But deep down, and particularly when push comes to shove, we agree on one thing: It’s Better Living In New Zealand.

With this sentiment in mind and with the aim of unleashing a creative frenzy around the country, Clorox New Zealand Limited (Clorox NZ), manufacturer of Glad and other major household products, has today launched an art competition, which is open to pupils at all 2,460 primary and intermediate schools nationwide.

Known as the Clorox Creative Challenge, the program’s objective is to motivate communities to express their delight in living in this land.

According to Bill Richmond, general manager of Clorox NZ, the Challenge also represents the company’s commitment to investing in activities that not only pay a return to the country but also contribute to its future.

“First and foremost the Challenge is about having fun and expressing pride in all the wonderful things that life in New Zealand has to offer.

“Secondly, as an organisation, we want to re-invest in local communities and encourage the country to develop a knowledge economy. We see encouraging innovation and creativity—important to both our company and our country—as central to this process.

“Rather than just focus on an individual winner, we’ve ensured that entire communities can be involved and benefit,” he said.

The Challenge will see Clorox putting more than $40,000 directly back into the community.

There are three major prize categories—junior primary (school years 1-3), middle primary (school years 4-6) and intermediate (school years 7-8).

Each category winner receives a $5,000 ‘creativity grant’ for their school, a $1,500 ‘education grant’ for the art teacher and a $500 ‘education voucher’ for the individual or group winner.

Bill Richmond continues: ”We are actively encouraging students to think about recycling and for that reason there is a specific ‘best use of recycled products’ prize category. This is one of seven special prize categories for winners who will receive a $3,000 ‘creativity grant’ for their school and a $250 ‘education voucher’ for themselves.”

The Challenge will run until 2 November 2001, with judging taking place until 14 November 2001. An awards ceremony will be held on 30 November 2001.

Bill Richmond concludes: “We’ve kept the entry guidelines simple so as not to constrain the creative process. At least one recycled or new Clorox product, including actual packaging—from either the Glad®, XLO®, Chux® or Mono® range—needs to be included. Also, artwork must be original and created by students. The maximum size for each creation must not exceed 1m³ and/or weigh no more than 5 kg.

“Judges for the Challenge are still being finalised but the panel will include people known for their creativity and passion for New Zealand.

“This drive for passion is what this whole project truly stands for. It is time for every individual and every community to get behind the children of New Zealand and encourage all of them to have a never-ending passion for this wonderful country!”

Ends.

Notes to Editors:
About Clorox New Zealand Limited
The Clorox Company makes products that help people the whole world over cook and clean. Clorox sells its products in more than 110 countries, manufactures in 14 countries, including New Zealand, and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide.

Originating in 1913 in California, today Clorox has become a household name through its hero products – Glad, Chux, Mono, XLO and Clorox  (USA Bleach).

The company’s New Zealand operations are based in Mt Wellington, Auckland. Employing over 100 full and part-time staff, Clorox NZ manufactures and distributes consumer and food service products for both local and export markets.

For Further Information: Check out the special website www.artatclorox.co.nz

CLOROX CREATIVE CHALLENGE AT A GLANCE

As the Challenge develops you will be updated with regular news, views, photo opportunities and general information. The following are the timelines involved in the Clorox Creative Challenge to help you monitor when these updates will arrive:

Timetable:

National Launch of Challenge 28 August 2001
Schools Collecting Period 28 August to 8 October 2001
Art Challenge 8 October to 2 November 2001
Judging 2 November to 14 November 2001
Award Ceremony 30 November 2001

Please Note:
Over this time period, if you would like to undertake any major activity around this challenge, please call the contacts (below) at WRC who will help you co-ordinate.

Ends.

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