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Wintec’s Matariki Wearable Arts competition at Hamilton’s Clarence Street Theatre on Saturday night completed a week of Matariki events in the city.

The categories – Radical Recycle, Natural Fibre and Matariki Magic drew a varied array of entries from across the region.  The final judging took place as the entries were modelled on the catwalk. An impressive line-up of garments in three categories were judged during the day by Donna Campbell from the University of Waikato, Leafa Wilson from the Waikato  Museum and Anna Carter from Wintec.

Winner of the Radical Recycle category was Josephine Dunston with a stunning embellished dress created from an electric blanket which  represented the encompassing love of Matariki.

In the Matariki Magic section Liza Kirkwood and Virginia Patene won with an elaborate hooped, paper mache dress covered in bright flowers crafted from egg cartons. 

The winner of the Natural Fibres section,  Rangi Rangiuaia crafted a black and purple Harakeke garment representing the Matariki night sky, wrapped in a vibrant yellow harakeke cloak, enhanced with  star studded  woven border.  This garment also proved to be the Supreme winner.

The event was made possible with the generous sponsorship and support of Te Puni Kokiri – Ministry of Maori Development, Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust, Hamilton City Theatres, the Students’ Association of Wintec, Vidcom, and Kinder Ward Photography.

The full house also greatly appreciated the music provided by Tania Oxenham, Reremoana Williams, and Te Rori Hayward. Organisers thanked David McConnell for his  very professional power point contribution, Julia Bruce and student Natasha Hodge for their fantastic hairdressing support for contenders and to the extremely hard working events team headed by Rama Kete.