b'black bookTalented women Colourful flock raises fundstake top tradie honours for feathered friendsAsmanytradesarestartingtoseemorebalancedThis spring, Aucklanders were delighted to find 20 giant kiwis burrowing representation among their ranks, things are looking especiallyaround some of the citys most popular public spaces to bring attention and bright for the next generation. At the latest Master Painterssupport to the next generation of New Zealands most famous endangered NZ Apprentice of the Year competition, a group of exceptionalfauna. Each sculpture in the collection was uniquely designed and painted women showed off their unparalleled painting skills as the topwith Resene products by professional and emerging artists before spending of their game across the country. four weeks roosting around Commercial Bay, Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard For the first time in the competitions history, we wereQuarter and Silo Park. The initiative was started to raise awareness about so proud to have four women representing the top tier of ourthe plight of the countrys most beloved flightless bird and communicate industrys up-and-coming talent, says Paul Hallahan, CEOactions that everyday New Zealanders can take to help do their part in of Master Painters NZ. Regardless of their gender, theseUnforgettable sculptures protecting kiwis. Once the display of the sculptures concluded, they were four finalists were the absolute cream of the crop, and it is soauctioned off with proceeds going to Gallagher Kiwi Burrow in Taupa exciting to see our trade evolving in a more inclusive direction. They say elephants never forget, which makesfacility managed by Save the Kiwi which incubates and hatches kiwi chicks Trinh Nguyen (Queenstown), Tania Leveridge (Hamilton),these majestic animals an especially fitting symboland releases them into the wild.EllieMoyer(Nelson)andSallyGaudin(Timaru)provedto bring awareness to the Laura Fergusson Brain themselves to be the best of the best when the finalists wereInjury Trust. As part of an art trail taking placewww.kiwiarttrail.nztasked with painting four rooms at Mary Potter Hospice inin the Christchurch area, more than 30 large Wellington using Resene products. Paul says the standardelephants that have been individually decorated of work across the board was exceptional, but it was Ellieby different local artists will be on display along Moyers accomplished application skills that saw her earn thestreets, in parks and other public spaces. As a top title of Apprentice of the Year. proud sponsor of this worthy initiative, Resene CongratulationstoEllie,Sally,TaniaandTrinhforyourhas donated paint and supplies for the artists to impressive efforts. use in creation of their designs.WeareincrediblyexcitedtobringDavid www.masterpainters.co.nz McKeesmuch-lovedelephantcharacter, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, to life in the most colourful art trail yet, says Kathryn Jones, CEOofLauraFergussonBrainInjuryTrust. Elmers tautahi Elephant Trail is supported by a learning programme which enables thousands ofchildrenandyoungpeopletoparticipate inthishighlyvisible,family-friendlyarttrail. Ultimately, the sculptures will be auctioned to raise money to help the Laura Fergusson Brain InjuryTrustinitsmissiontosupportpeople impacted by traumatic brain and other complex injuries throughout Canterbury.For a map of the art trail, information about related programming and auction details, visitabove: Auckland-based street artist, Sweats (www.sweats.nz), was inspired by the Mori the Elmers tautahi Elephant Trail website. legend of how the Kiwi lost its wings when creating his design. The popping bold Resene palette reflects the bright colours the bird is said to have once had and serves as a reminder www.elmerchch.co.nz of the need to preserve and protect this precious species.blackwhitemag.com 15'