2023 Award Winners
The NZ Rural Sculpture Award: $5,000.
Sponsored by Hynds Pipe Systems.
Winner ‘Terrybull’ by Regan Cooper.
Description - Terry the Bull, charging through the obstacles of the hard times our Rural Farmers struggle with. From floods, finance, drought to fuel tax farmers get hit with it all. He stands strong.
Made from Recycled Tyres - another use for them (not just silage pits).
The NZ Rural Sculpture Runner Up: $1000.
Sponsored by Rural and Lifestyle Sales
Runner Up ‘Mother of Nature’ by Pam Corpe
The NZ Creative Cocky Sculpture Award: $2000
Sponsored by Central Energy Trust.
Winner ‘Taming the Dog’ by Tony Waugh
Description - I had a black dog, his name was, "Depression". Whenever the black dog made an appearance, I felt empty and life just seemed to slow down, he could surprise me with a visit for no reason or occasion. When the rest of the world seemed to be enjoying life, I could only see it through the black dog.
Just like a real dog, depression needs to be understood, taught new tricks, and ultimately brought to heel. Through knowledge, patience, discipline and humour the worst black dog can be made to heel.
The NZ Creative Cocky Sculpture
The NZ Creative Cocky Sculpture Award Runner Up: $500.
Sponsored by Bromleys Dairy & Pumps
Runner Up ‘Heroplane’ by Glenn Murray
The NZ Rural Sculpture Open Award: $2000
Sponsored by Central Energy Trust
Winner ‘Apollo the Octopus’ by Jasmine Creighton
Description - Apollo the Octopus is made of recycled copper wire from broken machinery. Apollo symbolizes strength and resilience. Like the octopus, we can thrive in challenging environments.
Apollo also illustrates the importance of mental health and connection. Wires are crocheted together forming one whole, representing community support. Farmers face unique challenges that impact mental health, which is why community support is essential. Everyone has a unique perspective, so in coming together to support one another, our voices can be immensely helpful.
Apollo exemplifies how art can convey powerful messages about solidarity. We are never alone in our struggles.
The NZ Rural Sculpture Open Runner Up Award: $500.
Sponsored by My Plumbing depot
Runner Up ‘Roaring stag’ by Alan Coleman
The NZ Rural Small Sculpture Award: $1000
Sponsored by Central Energy Trust
Winner ‘Errol’ by David Jensen.
Description - Errol is a bit of a rebel with Yamaha tattoos on his wings to create his own identity.
Errol is a new age owl made from a motorbike fuel tank, hand cut copper leaves, a wooden chest, and steel frame. Many, many hours were taken to carefully craft Errol to the Owl you see here today.
The mix of materials is a reflection on our land and all the materials needed to do our daily grind.
The NZ Rural Small Sculpture Award Runner Up: $500.
Sponsored by AllanMcNeill
Runner Up ‘The Ennead’ by Greg Tuthilll
The Local Yokel Sculptor Award: $1,000.
Sponsored by Inspirenet
Winner ‘The Big Appe’ by David Jensen
Description - Crisp and sweet, round and plump.
A juicy apple found at once.
Bite it slow, hear the crunch
Juice drips down, a taste of lunch.
Nature's snack, no need to peel.
A snack that's hearty and healthy, a meal that's ideal.
A fiber-filled snack, it's said to be.
A tasty treat, that's healthy for me.
So give it a bite. Every farmer knows an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Months of chainsaw carving away to get the perfect bite they say.
The Local Yokel Sculptor Awards Runner Up: $500.
Sponsored by Tim McColl Contracting Ltd
Runner Up ‘In a nutshell, it’s life or death’ by Maggie Duff
Give it a go award: $300
Sponsored by Manawatu Spreaders
Winner ‘Spirited’ by The Wine Barrel Guy
Description - This sculpture is made up of 16 spirit barrel staves, with each one steam bent into a parabolic curve, then arranged opposite each other to form the main body of the sculpture. It then sits on two railway sleepers to complete the sculpture.
Everything except hardware i.e. screws & bolts, the sculpture is totally made from repurposed items.
Manufacturers & Engineers Challenge Award: $500
Sponsored by FIL
Winner ‘ToeKnee the Conie’ Manawatu Traffic Solutions
People’s Choice Award: $1,000
Sponsored by Allpoints Camping NZ
Winner ‘Terrybull’ Regan Cooper
Youth Awards
Primary School Students Years 1-2: Winner $200.
Winner ‘Tahi The Tiki’ by Luke Williams
Primary School Students Years 3-5: 1st $200 2nd $100.
Winner ‘The Old Sparkly Woolshed’ by Amelia Stack
Runner Up ‘Hermione The Highland Cow’ by Zoe Williams
Primary School Students Years 6-8: 1st $200 2nd $100.