1111 days ago

Mazda Foundation Youth Award Winner: Molly Ratana

The Feilding & District Art Society

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
1 day ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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12 hours ago

Want a Cosier Christmas Night? Neighbours, Read This

Beds4U - Palmerston North

Hey neighbours,

Quick question - have you given your bedroom a little Christmas love yet?

If not, you’re going to love this! We’ve put together some easy, feel-good DIY ideas to help turn your bedroom into a cozy Christmas retreat - think festive bedding, twinkling lights, handmade pillows, and warm holiday scents. Simple touches, big Christmas vibes.

Get inspired here:
beds4u.co.nz...

And while you’re getting into the Christmas spirit, our Boxing Day sale is still ON - a great excuse to upgrade your bed and enjoy better sleep heading into the new year.

Find your nearest Beds4U store:
beds4u.co.nz...
Or browse all Boxing Day deals:
beds4u.co.nz...

Don’t wait, neighbours - cozy nights and great deals don’t stick around for long!

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3 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 40.4% Yes
    40.4% Complete
  • 34.3% Maybe?
    34.3% Complete
  • 25.3% No
    25.3% Complete
522 votes