Entries are open for Waimakariri’s Race Unity Poster Competition, and all primary and secondary students are invited to submit their unique and thoughtful designs.
To acknowledge Race Unity Day on 21 March, students can use paint, crayons, felt pens or coloured pencils to show what race unity means to them. There is also a category for digitally created posters.
The competition is open for ages 5 – 17 years, and A3 posters need to be submitted to the nearest Waimakariri Library at Rangiora, Kaiapoi or Oxford by 5pm on Wednesday 19 March.
Council’s Cultural Inclusion Facilitator Carolyn Boswell says, “Although Race Unity Day is celebrated on one day every year, we hope this project will help inspire people to think about cultural inclusion, break down barriers and create greater understanding of the many different cultures that make up our district.”
The theme for this year is Small Steps Together for Unity and takes its inspiration from one of the entries received in 2024.
Carter Burley, a student from North Loburn School, placed 2nd in the 8-10 years category for his colourful interpretation of race unity.
Carter said that he started his poster by drawing the earth and then dividing it into segments.
“The colourful area represents fun and different cultures. The rugby segment represents teamwork and how the sport brings everyone together from all over the world.
“The boats on the ocean remind us that we are all linked by the ocean, and the caveman is to show history and how we have evolved over time.
“The quote ‘One small step together, one giant leap for unity’, means that when we all work together, even small actions can lead to big changes.”
Carolyn said North Loburn School really got behind the heart of the project last year by giving each student the opportunity to take part.
“We have been so impressed by the thought and creativity behind some of the posters, as can be seen in Carter’s poster and explanation. Carter’s phrase stood out and reminded me that it is easy for us all to take small steps for unity.
“The competition provides a platform for schools to discuss the growing ethnic diversity in our district. I’m really looking forward to seeing some more incredible posters again this year.”
Details on how to enter
- A3 posters need to be submitted to one of our Waimakariri Libraries by 5pm, 19 March
- Open to ages 5 - 17 years
- Entries will be judged by members of the local art community and winners will be recognised at a prize giving ceremony at MainPower Stadium on Friday 4 April
- For more information on how to enter, go to waimakariri.govt.nz/competition.