Hope of Dawn supreme winner

Maha Fier won Paraparaumu College's wearable arts competition with a design which is modelled by her sister Maya. Photo: Jack Penman

The supreme award winner of this year's Paraparaumu College That's Artstanding! wearable arts competition has gone to Maha Fier.

Her Hope of Dawn costume, modelled by her sister, Maya, was also a great way for the twin sisters to celebrate their birthdays - Maya celebrated her birthday on the day of the awards, and Maha celebrated hers the day before.

Maha, 15, received a cash prize from the Kapakapanui Lions as well as the Rosemary Wehipeihana cup for Wearable Arts.

"I was stunned to find out Hope of Dawn had won the supreme award," Maha said.

"It really topped off my birthday.

"Big thank you to the judges for understanding the message I was trying to pass through the garment and my sister, Maya, for modelling it beautifully."

She said inspiration for Hope of Dawn came from the beauty of the natural world.

"In a time where we are facing environmental threats like biodiversity loss and climate change, I wanted to remind people just how beautiful nature is and why we shouldn't be taking it for granted the way that we are, for all that beauty may be destroyed one day soon.

"The peacock feathers were inspired by the peacocks at the Reikorangi Pottery Cafe and Animal Park.

"I always see these beautiful creatures and believe them to be a symbol of pride and hope for the natural world with their magnificent feathers."

College extra curricular arts director Clare Thorley said That's Artstanding! was a "truly collaborative project".

"Eight classes were involved from over five curriculum areas (textiles, performing arts, Te Reo, visual art, dance and music), with 10 staff supporting the students, a 32 piece orchestra led by Merrick Stein, dance items including a junior hip hop group, and a Korean hip hop crew, as well as a strong college technical team who have enabled the vision for the show to be realised.

"The show opened with a piece called Rondeau which was an orchestral piece with a contemporary dance (choreographed by Year 10 student Aly Snowsill) and finished up with a rousing haka from the Year 10 Te Reo class.

"The show this year was attended by 64 VIPs, made up of invited staff and sponsors, as well as 200 other spectators.

"The show sold out and event organisers agree that, with the college auditorium at capacity, we may need to move to a larger venue next year, and possibly perform over two nights.

"That's Artstanding!, or at least, the college wearable arts show, has been an annual event for 10 years, and this is the first year we have actively sought sponsors who then judged their relevant sections."

The six top garments and winning masks will be exhibited for three weeks from Tuesday, July 4 at Tutere Gallery and Creative Space, Waikanae Beach.