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Moana Reserve will once again transform into a giant sandpit when the Barfoot and Thompson Ōrewa Beach Sandcastle Competition returns to Ōrewa in March.
The event begins on Sunday, March 1, when 15 tonnes of sand will be delivered to Moana Reserve. The sand, supplied by Wyatt Landscaping in Snells Beach, is quarried offshore and chosen for its high silica content, which gives it the right structure for sculpting. The sculpture is sprayed with a mix of water and PVA glue as it is formed, making it very ‘concrete like’ which enables it to remain standing for the duration of the event without being impacted by the weather.
Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club members will help prepare the sand on Monday afternoon, crushing it so it is ready for carving. The professional sculpting team In Good Form, made up of Asheley Henning, Annette Griffiths and Helen Beswick, will begin work on Tuesday.
Over the week, visitors can watch the large-scale sculpture take shape. The finished creation will remain on display for a week after the sandcastle competition before the sand is returned to Wyatt Landscaping.
Competition day is Saturday, March 7. Free registration opens at 1pm, with sandcastle building starting at 2pm and prizegiving at 4.15pm.
This year, entries are limited to 30 official teams to give judges time to speak with contestants. However, everyone is welcome to build a sandcastle and join in the fun, while spot prizes and bags of lollies will be handed out throughout the afternoon.
Free facepainting, a clown and a bouncy castle are also provided to keep the kids entertained.
Cash prizes are on offer, with $250 for the experienced winner, $200 for the novice winner and $100 for the novice runner-up.
