Floral art title on the way to Whangarei

Creative floral artists from around Northland converged on Reia Ta¯ipa Bay Resort last month for the 2020 Northland Area Designer of the Year competition, with the theme “The Elements of Nature”.

The four Northland floral art clubs – Whanga¯rei, Kerikeri, Doubtless Bay and Kaitaia – take it in turns to stage the annual event, hosted this time by Doubtless Bay, with the public once again invited to admire the flair and creativity of the 26 contestants, and to cast their votes for their favourite design.

Dorothy Turner, from Floral Designers in Hamilton, was the judge, assisted by Linda Richardson.

The Designer of the Year winner, selected from entries in the open class (Fire), was Karen Solly, from Whanga¯rei, who also won the colour award. Runner-up was Rosie Speedy (Whanga¯rei), third, Marguerite Howard (Whanga¯rei), while Judi Crawford (Whanga¯rei) received a merit award.

The senior class (Wind, a table design), was won by Carol Allison (Doubtless Bay), the intermediate class (Water) was won by Janice Walker (Whanga¯rei), with Lyn Best (Kaitaia) second (and winner of the most innovative design and public choice awards), third Kerry Gelmi (Kerikeri).

Raewyn Dawson (Whanga¯rei) won the novice class (Earth, also a table design), along with the most innovative novice award, second Laurel Sirl (Kerikeri), third Michelle de Sousa (Kaitaia).

On the final day, Dorothy Turner presented a Christmas design workshop that was thoroughly enjoyed by 27 members of the four clubs, all of which welcome new members.

The Kaitaia club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, phone president Raewyn Harrison on 09 409 4959; Doubtless Bay on the third Tuesday of the month, phone president Sharron Nicholas on 09

406 0279, Kerikeri on the first Wednesday of the month, phone president Lyn Read on 09 407 5455, and Whanga¯rei on the second Wednesday of the month, phone president Karen Solly on 09 430 9858.