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Embroidery, one of the world’s oldest textile crafts, continues to thrive on the Hibiscus Coast thanks to the dedication of local guilds.
Embroidery is one of the oldest textile crafts, originating thousands of years ago, with one of the most famous examples the almost 1000 year Bayeux Tapestry, currently being readied for exhibition in the United Kingdom in 2026.
Closer to home, the craft was celebrated at the Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa with the biennial Embroiderers’ Art exhibition.
The event brought together the work of 10 guilds from as far afield as Coromandel and Doubtless Bay, including members of the Hibiscus Coast and Warkworth guilds.
Association of NZ Embroiderers’ Guilds (ANZEG) northern regional representative Joanne Saunderson says the exhibition was both a showcase and an invitation.
“The challenge is to keep the craft alive, especially as many younger people now learn about it online rather than attending in-person courses,” she said.
Saunderson says guilds welcome everyone, from absolute beginners to experienced stitchers.
“We share information, show works in progress and inspire one another. Exhibitions like this are important so people can see what we are doing and feel encouraged to join us.”
Award winners
Praise of the Needle
Winner: Liz Kennedy – Embroiderers & Lacemakers Guild
Second: Karen Vernon – North Shore Guild
Highly Commended: Andrea Old – East Auckland Guild
Dorothy Clarke Traditional Award
Winner: Elena Stalmann – East Auckland Guild
Second: Heather Constantine – Coromandel Guild
Highly Commended: Shirley Pygott – Warkworth Guild
Open Award – Theme: Memories and Moments
Winner: Yoke Helwes-Markens – East Auckland Guild
Second: Helen Milbank – East Auckland Guild
Highly Commended: Kristen Raynor – East Auckland Guild
Extensions Award – Theme: Moments in Time
Winner: Shirley Pygott – Warkworth Guild
Second: Donna Rowan – Whangarei Guild
Highly Commended: Warkworth Extensions Group
First-time entrant
Winner: Yoke Helwes-Markens – East Auckland Guild.
Participating guilds: Auckland, Coromandel, Counties, East Auckland, Embroiderers & Lacemakers, Hibiscus Coast, North Shore, Doubtless Bay, Warkworth and Whangarei.
