Photo makes the short list
A photograph of Huka Falls near Taupo¯ has made the short list of New Zealand's most beautiful views.
The picture was one of over 500 entries submitted of stunning vistas from across the country to a competition held by eye health charity Macular Degeneration NZ. The winner was Hooker Lake in Canterbury with Pouakai Tarns in Taranaki and Riwaka Resurgence in Nelson completing the top three.
All entries were shortlisted by the judging panel actress and TV presenter Shavaughn Ruakere, landscape photographer Rach Stewart and nutritionist Claire Turnbull, all of whom have a close family member that suffers from vision loss caused by macular degeneration. The shortlisted entries were put to the public vote via a representative sample of 1000 New Zealanders to choose their favourite views.
The top 10 most beautiful NZ views were: 1. Hooker Lake, Mount Cook National Park, Canterbury 2. Pouakai Tarns, Mount Egmont National Park, Taranaki 3. Riwaka Resurgence, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson 4. Lake Poaka, Mackenzie Basin, Canterbury 5. New Brighton Pier, Christchurch, Canterbury 6. Aoraki/ Mount Cook, Canterbury 7. Huka Falls, Taupo¯, Waikato 8. Mount Kakaramea/Rainbow Mountain, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty 9. Milford Sound, Southland 10. Lake Rotoiti by St Arnaud in the South Island
Judge Shavaughn Ruakere said they were blown away by the contest
entries received.
“The competition has served as a timely reminder of just how beautiful our own backyard is, and the breadth of entries featuring mountains, beaches and native bush show what a plethora of treasures we have to enjoy right here on our doorstep. Being able to see and appreciate these stunning vistas is something we shouldn't take for granted, so taking care of our eye health is really important. Find out more about the signs to look out for and how to lower your risk of macular degeneration at www.mdnz.org.nz.”
The competition forms part of a campaign by the charity to highlight what New Zealanders risk losing if they don't take their eye health seriously, ahead of Macular Degeneration Week which is on this week. A simple test, available via the MDNZ website and your optometrist, can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness. Those aged over 50 are most at risk, with 1 in 7 affected, rising to a quarter of people over the age of 80.