Sand sculptors

STUDENTS descended on Tomahawk Beach yesterday afternoon for a sandcastle building contest and beach cleanup to raise awareness of sustainable beach usage.

Five teams of students engaged in the competitive sand sculpting, with turtles, an imposing sand throne and a mermaid with wild, flowing seaweed hair among the creations on display.

The sandcastle contest was followed by a talk about sea lions and a beach cleanup.

A team of budding builders from Hayward College created a sandy sea lion sculpture for the contest.

Team member Mikayla Robson said the wider message of seaside sustainability that was behind the contest was important for her team.

‘‘We want to make sure these are here and in the same condition for generations to come, especially with the beach cleanup.’’

Sand sculptor India Gee, whose group built the mermaid, said she had been encouraged to attend by a flatmate.

‘‘She’s on the sustainability group, so she’s taught us heaps of stuff around that Otago is offering. I feel like before it wasn’t really talked about, but now it is.’’

University of Otago sustainability office head Ray O’Brien said in a statement that Dunedin’s students were not limited for beach options for their leisure time.

The office decided to highlight Tomahawk Beach as part of its Break Bites series of events which was designed to encourage small breaks out in nature among the student populace.

‘‘These Break Bites also help create a community of students who love being in the outdoors and are passionate about sustainability. It is also about creating healthy connections to Otepoti and the amazing environment around us.

PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH Gritty achievement . . . At a sandcastle building contest at Tomahawk Beach yesterday afternoon, Steven the sustainability sea lion was built by sand sculptors (front, from left) Millie Gillard, Daragh Brown, Angela King; (back, from left) Brenna Leong, Gabriel Waterson and Demi Lawrence.