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1176 days ago

Mazda Foundation Youth Award Winner: Molly Ratana

It may seem like a while ago that we had the Art Awards on display. But, cast your minds back and you’ll remember the brilliant work of Molly Ratana. Her wall hanging, 'Dolly', was recognised with the Mazda Foundation Youth Award. After winning that prize, Molly was invited to share the story behind the work, and let us know a bit more about her future plans:

“When I was younger, I would spend weekends with my auntie creating. We spent time doing everything from sewing to collaging to filmmaking. She taught me that you can find almost everything you need from an op shop and to see the potential in discarded objects. But most importantly, she taught me about the gift of art. Art gives mine and other people's lives purpose.

I feel privileged to be able to spend my free time creating the things I imagine in my mind. Winning the Mazda Foundation Youth Award for the Feilding and District Art Society Awards has made me appreciate and feel more confident in the work I produce.

I was initially not intending on entering my winning entry, 'Dolly' (A hand tufted wall hanging), as it had been sitting in my cupboard for a month unfinished. I felt it wasn't good enough. Until I decided to give it a second chance, complete it and enter it into the competition along with a textile collage I had made. So, I feel encouraged that it was chosen as the winner.

Next year I am intending on pursuing studies in a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Massey University in Wellington and this award money will go towards my fees. This award will make a difference for me financially and allow me to focus on my creative practices. I would like to thank all the people who helped make this achievement possible.”

Congratulations again to Molly, and thank you for giving us an insight into you and your art!

More messages from your neighbours

Local Highlight

2 days ago

Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑

Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.

We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

Want to read more? The Press has you covered!

🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

53% Human-centred experience and communication

53% Complete
15.7% Critical thinking

15.7% Complete
28.8% Resilience and adaptability

28.8% Complete
2.5% Other - I will share below!

2.5% Complete

364 votes

17 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

Local Highlight

1 day ago

The latest product recalls