This creative challenge is about exploring your voice, your vision and your power - to influence the future of our region using any creative medium you like as long as it relates to the theme:
- What would Te Tairāwhiti look like if young people were leading local decision-making?
- What kind of future would you create?
So how does it work?
Who can enter?
Anyone aged 17 - 24 and living in Te Tairāwhiti.
What
Create a piece of art that answers: What could Tairāwhiti look like if young people led local decision-making?
This is your future — how would you shape it?
Did you know only 55% of 18 - 24-year-olds in Tairāwhiti are enrolled to vote — that means nearly half of us aren’t having a say in the future of our region.
This art challenge is about more than winning prizes. It’s your chance to:
- Use your creativity to speak up
- Share your vision for the future of Tairāwhiti
- Take your first step in local decision-making
In October we’re voting for our local council — the people who make decisions about the things that impact us every day like:
- Events and funding
- Parks, roads, pools and library
- Roads
- Waste and water services
- Climate action etc
Why
Enter the competition and show your perspective as a rangatahi (young person) in Tairāwhiti — also if you're eligible, we encourage you to check out vote.nz
Use any art form
- painting
- sculpture
- spoken word
- music
- digital art
- photography
- animation
- film
- kapa haka
- TikTok series
- ... whatever tells your story best
Include a short blurb
(50–100 words) explaining your piece and how it connects to the theme.
Submit your entry on this page
If your artwork is physical - upload a photo of your work with your submission.
If needed, drop off physical work to:
Gisborne District Council, 15 Fitzherbert Street, Gisborne
View entries as they come in
Come in and check out what others are sharingSubmissions close
4pm Friday 12 September.
Prizegiving and exhibition
5.30pm Friday 19 September
Remember to drop any physical artwork to Gisborne District Council, 15 Fitzherbert Street, before submissions close.
🥇 1st Place - iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB)
🥈 2nd Place - iPad Air (M3 chip, 256GB) + Apple Pencil
🥉 3rd Place - Bose Headphones
Do I have to be enrolled to vote to enter?
No, it's not mandatory.
However, anyone aged 17 or older are legally able to enroll to vote. When you vote, you’re choosing the people who will make decisions that affect our region’s future — from roads and parks to climate action and waste services.
This year are the Local Elections where we as a community vote to elect the Mayor, General Ward and Māori ward Councillors. Enroll online at vote.nz. It’s free, easy and only takes a few minutes.
Can I enter as part of a group or team?
This year’s challenge is for individual entries only. If your creative work involves others (e.g. in a performance), you should clearly explain your role as the lead entrant.
How many entries can I submit?
Just one entry per person.
What kind of art can I submit?
All creative mediums are welcome — including:
- painting
- sculpture
- digital design
- short film,
- animation,
- poetry
- music
- kapa haka
- photography
- and more.
If it’s creative and connects to the theme - we want to see it.
Does it have to be a new artwork?
We encourage you to create something specifically for this theme — but if you’ve already made a piece that fits the theme and hasn’t been publicly exhibited or submitted to another competition, you’re welcome to enter it.
What do you mean by “connects to the theme”?
Your artwork should respond to the idea of youth-led decision-making or your vision for the future of Te Tairāwhiti.
Your 50-100 word blurb will help the judges understand how your work connects to the theme: Tō Reo, Tō Mana – Your Voice, Your Power.
How do I submit my work?
Digital works - videos, images, audio, writing etc, should be uploaded with your entry.
Physical works - paintings or sculptures, must be dropped off at Gisborne District Council, 15 Fitzherbert Street by 4pm Friday 12 September.
Be sure to include your name, contact details, title of the work, and your blurb on your submission.
What if my artwork is large or fragile?
If your work's unusually large, heavy, or delicate, please contact us first so we can make suitable arrangements for display.
We want to include as many works as possible!
Will my artwork be displayed?
Yes! All eligible entries will be exhibited at Gizzy Local from 19 September to 13 October.
Everyone’s work will be part of the public celebration and kōrero.
Do I keep my work after the exhibition?
Yes — you can collect your artwork from Gisborne District Council between Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 October 2025.
How will the entries be judged?
Entries will be reviewed by a local judging panel based on:
- How well it connects to the theme
- Creativity and originality
- Clarity of message
- Effort and skill
- Impact and overall impression
When will winners be announced?
Winners will be announced at the exhibition opening night on Friday 19 September at Gizzy Local.
Come along and bring your whānau!
What are the prizes?
- 🥇 1st Place: iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB)
- 🥈 2nd Place: iPad Air (M3 chip, 256GB) + Apple Pencil
- 🥉 3rd Place: Bose Headphones
Need help or have patai?
Contact us anytime! Email Beka at beka.melville@gdc.govt.nz
