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Recycling taken to next level in third Redefine event

Recycling taken to next level in third Redefine event

Hundreds of people descended on Taradale Town Hall on Saturday to seek out their very own upcycled bargains and admire competition entries in this year’s Presbyterian Support East Coast Redefine event.

Held for the third consecutive year, Redefine has become a household competition in Hawke’s Bay as it challenges entrants to transform any op shop item into something new and unrecognisable from what it was before.

This year the competition attracted a record 32 entries in six categories, from Shabby Chic and Rework It to Book Work and Domestic Goddess. The judging panel consisted of local art experts, Helen Kerridge, Rosalie Thompson and Cinzah Merkens.

The Overall Winner was Paul Isaacson from Central Hawke’s Bay for his Swamp Uke, which was entered into the Surprise Us category. He used recycled Rimu, Indian Rose wood, New Zealand Red Beech, a biscuit tin, bone and Aquila strings to craft a magnificently unique ukulele from scratch.

Second place getter was Kathie Hands for her wooden office desk that was upcycled to a classy shabby chic desk, aptly named Grand Bazaar Hotel.

Third prize was awarded to Sue Collins for her ‘Nana’s Precious Hankies’ blanket made out of you guessed it, hankies!

The People’s Choice award went to Carolyn Veen for her Button Lady Lamp, which consisted of over 2000 buttons, half a mannequin, lamp shade and electric fittings. The total cost of this creation was $24, although much more time and patience was required.

Nine-year-old Silva Harvey took away the top prize for the children’s Hat Trick category for her Tropical Waters creation.

Presbyterian Support East Coast Head of Marketing, Shirley Collins said the standard of entries get higher every year.

“There are some extremely talented people out there and it’s wonderful that this event can put them in the spotlight,” Shirley says.

“This event has also brought out the creative streak in our volunteers, which has been fabulous. They have all worked so hard up-cycling our charity shop goods to sell and just generally getting into the “redefine” spirit.

“A very big thank you to all the entrants, judges, MC Megan Banks, volunteers, staff, sponsors and everyone else who worked so hard to make this event happen. We are grateful to each and every one of you.”

If you are interested in volunteering and making a positive difference to your community? We are still in need of volunteers for companion caring, events and in our three retail stores. If you would like to help please phone our Volunteer Manager on 877 8193 or email volunteer@psec.org.nz