Matariki Art Competition

Manawatū Community Hub Libraries (MCHL) invites artists of all ages to take part in this year’s Matariki Art Competition. Whether you’re a budding young artist or a creative adult, this is your chance to design a tote bag or T-shirt inspired by what Matariki means to you.

Help us celebrate this special time through art!

Theme: What does Matariki mean to me?

We’re looking for artwork that captures your personal connection to Matariki whether it’s about your whānau, remembrance, reflection, celebration, or aspirations for the year ahead.

Who Can Enter

This competition is open to individuals in the following age groups:

  • Years 1–4 – Design a Tote Bag
  • Years 5–8 – Design a T-Shirt
  • Youth / Adults – Design a T-Shirt

What You Could Win

A winner will be chosen from each of the following categories:

  • Years 1–2
  • Years 3–4
  • Years 5–6
  • Years 7–8
  • Youth / Adult

Each winner will receive a Makerspace session to bring your artwork to life:

  • Tote Bag winners: One 30-minute printing session
  • T-Shirt winners: Up to two 1-hour sessions to digitise and print your design

Sessions will be held during the week beginning Monday 16 June 2025.

Key Dates

  • Entries Close: Thursday 12 June 2025, 5:30 PM
  • Winners Announced: Friday 13 June 2025
  • Makerspace Sessions: Available from Monday 16 June

Design Guidelines

We’re looking for:

  • Bold and creative designs, strong colours and clean lines work best for printing
  • Original artwork

Formats Accepted:

  • A high-quality scanned copy
  • Digital artwork in JPG, PNG, or PDF format
  • Physical copy

How to Enter

Please include:

  • Your full name
  • Your age and school year (if applicable)
  • Contact phone number or email
  • Your artwork

Email to mchl.bookings@mdc.govt.nz or by physical submission to Manawatū Community Hub Libraries, Te Āhuru Mōwai, 64 Stafford Street, Feilding.

If you have questions or need help submitting your design, we’re here to help.

Judging and Use of Entries

All entries will be judged by Manawatū Community Hub Libraries staff and guest judge Joe McMenamin. The judge's decision is final. Winners will be contacted directly and announced on Manawatū Community Hub Libraries social media. Please note that entries may be displayed at Te Āhuru Mōwai and used on Manawatū Community Hub Libraries social media.

Download Your Entry Form

Click the pdf files below to download the official entry forms.