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NZ’S FAVOURITE VIEWS
When the call went out for entries to a photo competition to find the country’s most beautiful views, the response was overwhelming. Here’s a look at some of the winning images...
Stunning images from a recent photo competition
New Zealanders are spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning landscapes and unbeatable views. So when eye health charity Macular Degeneration New Zealand ran a photography competition to uncover the most beautiful view in the country, the entries flooded in.
All entries were shortlisted by the judging panel, which included 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.
“We were blown away by the incredible entries we received,” says Shavaughn.
“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.”
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. 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 one in seven affected, rising to a quarter of people over the age of 80.
ABOUT MACULAR DEGENERATION
Macular Degeneration is an age-related eye disease affecting one person in seven over the age of 50, with vision deteriorating to one in four over 80 who have their quality of life affected by Macular Degeneration. Currently 51 percent of people over 50 know about this disease, which means 49 percent do not. This is a problem as early detection and treatment can reduce avoidable vision loss for the 1,500,000 New Zealanders at risk.
The primary risk factor is age, although there is a 50 percent chance of having the genetic disposition if a family member has it, and smokers have four times the risk and may get it 10 years earlier than non-smokers. A healthy lifestyle with a diet that is rich in leafy green vegetables, fruit, omega 3 and other nutrients support good macular health.
Find out more about the signs to look out for and how to lower your risk of macular degeneration at mdnz.org.nz. ■