Moving artwork wins defence poster competition

Operation Anzac Spirit winner Dahnyelle Rogan shows off her winning entry.

A poignant poster about her koro matua (great-grandfather) who served in the 28th (Maori) Battalion has won Dahnyelle Hinemaurea Rogan-Ngata, 12, of Palmerston North, first prize in Operation Anzac Spirit, a competition run by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

Dahnyelle’s winning entry was chosen from over 800 entries in Operation Anzac Spirit, a competition for year seven and eight students which aimed to raise awareness of Anzac Day and get children thinking about what Anzac Day really means to them.

The competition was judged by Te Papa’s Curator History Stephanie Gibson who said: “Judging the competition was extremely difficult as the entries were diverse.

“I had such a wonderful time looking at these fabulous entries but I chose Dahnyelle’s as first because it was so personal and I felt it really did capture what Anzac Day meant to her.”

The Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae said the number of responses to the competition was heartening.

“It is fantastic to see the depth of thought that has gone into the posters. It is testament to the strong feelings Anzac Day evokes in many of our young people today.”

Dahnyelle’s prize includes a day with the Army plus a signed copy of Victoria Cross winner, Corporal Willie Apiata’s book Reluctant Hero.

Second prize of a day with the Air Force was awarded to Blue Riley, 11, of Havelock North and third prize, a day with the Navy, was awarded to Wallace Davidson, 12, of Christchurch.

Four runners up received an NZDF prize pack: Reid Baldock, 12, of Dunedin; Nancy Mitchellson, 11, of Auckland; Lucas Netana-Rakete, 12, of Auckland; and Vanessa Crofskey, 12, of Wellington.