"My concept was “Reach for the Stars”, because in Manukau we as teenagers have numerous opportunities. We are able to reach goals far beyond normal expectations, and lead very privileged lives. I symbolised this privilege through the use of a Smooth Golden path – the path of life. The Southern Cross in the night sky represents the goals which we are aiming to reach. There are many different paths leading to these different goals, because in life there are many different options we can choose, so many different ways to reach the same end point. This picture is set at dawn, as dawn has connotations of purity, and new starts. We as teenagers are just beginning our real lives. The Sun is the focal point of the picture as our futures are all so bright. The whole picture has a focus predominantly on nature as we in Manukau are constantly out in nature – even if it’s just parks which are dotted all over our beautiful city."

~ Entry for Express Yourself art competition, Finalist People's Choice Award