Top Outdoor Spot Background

National competition encourages students to celebrate NZ outdoors

Kiwi school children are photographing, drawing and describing their favourite outdoor places as part of the national competition celebrating enjoyment of the great outdoors as part of the New Zealand way of life.

The Top Outdoor Spot competition began today on the New Zealand Walking Access Commission’s Both Sides of the Fence education website. The website provides animated videos, an e-book and curriculum-aligned outdoor education materials to help primary and intermediate school teachers introduce students to responsible behaviour in the outdoors.

New Zealand Walking Access Commission chief executive Eric Pyle said the Top Outdoor Spot competition was a good way for children to celebrate their love of the outdoors and to think about what made the outdoors special.

“Enjoyment of our outdoors is a big part of our culture and this competition helps young people to value and treasure the tradition of outdoor access New Zealanders enjoy.

Sponsors this year include a number of organisations that have supported the Top Outdoor Spot competition in previous years, including Skellerup, Macpac, the Mountain Safety Council and the Cancer Society NZ. Publishers Potton & Burton and sporting goods company Packaworld are also sponsoring the event this year.

“We’re really privileged to have such great outdoor companies and organisations helping us promote the competition, with great prizes that kids will love,” Mr Pyle said.

First, second and third place will be chosen by the Commission’s board in each of the following categories: “Best Photo”, “Best Drawing” and “Best Description.” Prizes include insulated camping mattresses, gumboots, day packs, books and tramping guides, seating, sunscreen and other useful outdoor equipment and accessories.

The Top Outdoor Spot competition has been run for the past four years and the number of entries has grown steadily each year. While the competition is designed primarily for children at years 4-8, any student enrolled in a New Zealand school is eligible to enter and win.

More information about the 2017 Top Outdoor Spot competition can be found on the New Zealand Walking Access Commission's Both Sides of the Fence education website, online at www.bothsidesofthefence.org.nz. The competition will run from 30 January to 7 May 2017.