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Artistic talent and flair were proudly on display for all to see at Karaka Lifestyle Estate last month.
Karaka Lifestyle Estate Sales Manager Stephanie Rodgers says more than 100 people attended a special opening night on Friday, July 24.
“It was our inaugural competition, and we’re so happy with how everything turned out. It was a real community effort and such a wonderful atmosphere on opening night.”
Thirty residents entered the Karaka Lifestyle Estate Residents Art Exhibition with 76 pieces across four categories.
The exhibition was judged by artist Caroline Burton and Franklin Arts secretary Deb Bell (visual arts), Tom Logan of Franklin Woodturners (hard craft), with soft textile tutor Lenore Smart and Rae Baxton (soft craft).
Overall People’s Choice winner Trevor Warrington was stunned to win the most votes. He started working with matchsticks to create art in 1980, when his cousin left a piece unfinished. After completing that work, Trevor was hooked.
His award-winning design used a total of 6861 matches – a mix of half and whole matches, with 75 black match heads in the centre of the table.
“I’m already planning my next piece,” Trevor laughs. Lead resident coordinator Lorraine Churchman says it was an incredible experience, with the exhibits sparking plenty of lively conversations.
“We had a lot of visitors over the weekend, and residents’ feedback was largely around how it made them feel very connected with the community here.”
Karaka Lifestyle Estate staff each awarded two rosettes to their favourite pieces.
Coordinator and exhibitor Chris Howett says it was a very satisfying event and was pleased to have won an award and rosette for her soft craft pieces.
The exhibition was held in the village’s clubhouse extension which opened in December.
The grand Parnell mansion dates back to 1907 has been carefully restored and reimagined as the social heart of the village, joined by the contemporary new extension.
Inside and out, it’s a place built for good times: a heated outdoor swimming pool, residents’ bar, games and recreation room, library, wellness room, catering kitchen and plenty of quiet spaces for a quiet coffee or a proper catch-up.
The clubhouse extension has been architecturally designed for greater accessibility and acoustics, so it feels easy, comfortable, and genuinely usable.
Future plans include the addition of an indoor pool and spa complex.
Karaka Lifestyle Estate offers a range of two-and three-bedroom homes, including standalones, duplexes and elevated apartment living.
On completion, the village will include approximately 270 homes, all with the added benefit of capital gains.
For more information or to book a private tour, contact Stephanie at sales@karakalifestyleestate.co.nz or phone 027 243 4469.
Opening Night Award winners
Visual Arts Excellence Award to Jane Smith for House and Garden with other notable awards to Gail Whittle, Lorraine Churchman, Val Blyleven, and Gus Smith.
Hard Craft Excellence Award to Brian Nicholls with other notable awards to Jim Brown and Yvonne Bray.
Soft Craft Excellence Award to Chris Howett with other notable awards to Lynn Kurtovich, Ticia Reitsma, and Heather Scott.
Poetry award to Sue Neems for her book of poetry called Live Lines.
People Choice Award winners
Visual Arts: Gus Smith, Spitfire Glory.
Hard Craft: Trevor Warrington, Matchstick Coffee Table.
Soft Craft: Marlene Hudd, London Skyline Cross-stitch.
Poetry: Sue Neems.
Overall winner: Trevor Warrington.
