oOh! Community
Art in the Hood 2025: Love my City
This year marks the sixth anniversary of Art in the Hood, a nationwide community art project. Students were invited to create artwork illustrating what they love about their city.
The winner and finalists from each school were picked to be shown on the advertising screens at bus stops and shopping centres in their neighbourhood.
2025 Judging Panel
Scott Pritchard
CEO – Precinct Properties
Scott has been CEO of Precinct Properties since 2010, New Zealand’s largest owner, developer, and manager of premium real estate in Auckland and Wellington. Scott has extensive experience in property development, and he also serves as the Independent Chair of the Auckland Council City Centre Advisory Panel.
Scott and the Precinct team are committed to enriching everyday lives by cultivating urban vitality and inspiring city life in Aotearoa and are proud to support this year’s Art in the Hood initiative.
Cameron Ward
Senior School Travel Coordinator – Hamilton City Council
Cam has been working alongside Hamilton schools for 10 years as a School Travel Coordinator.
Ensuring students can travel to/from school safely no matter what mode of transport they chose to travel is Cam’s main objective.
He loves the Art in the Hood initiative and values seeing more art popping up around Hamilton. Cam runs his own art competition with Hamilton schools, with students design their own helmets, the winners having their design airbrushed onto their own helmet to keep.
Katie Taylor-Duke
Senior Arts Advisor – Wellington City Council
Katie is a Senior Arts Advisor at Wellington City Council in the Creative Capital team. She looks after Council’s pakiTara toi, art on walls programme and more generally advises on the process for developing arts projects including accessing funding.
It’s always a privilege working with young people and seeing their artwork in public – it brings a playful element to space and reminds us (grown-ups) that tamariki see and experience the city differently.
Chris Wang
Urban Designer – Christchurch City Council
Chris is an Urban Designer at Christchurch City Council. In his role, he provides urban design support for place-shaping projects, including neighbourhood planning and the delivery of public transport infrastructure.
He appreciates the opportunity to serve as a judge for the Art in the Hood project and believes this year’s theme captures the strong connection between people and place.
Kohia Terrace School
Winner
Hana, 10 – Kohia Terrace School
Katie Taylor-Duke – Senior Arts Advisor, Wellington City Council
“In a little heart nutshell Hana drew a picture postcard scene of Auckland that includes everything that gives this city personality and uniqueness – its coastline, birds, city treasures – Harbour Bridge and Sky Tower, parks – One Tree Hill… It even includes cars, bus lanes, a plane and a helicopter – the things that keep a city going. The composition is skilfully managed within the heart frame and each time you look you see another detail tucked in to the drawing. Well done!”
“Ruby captured the Karori landmark realistically, and it showed how nature would overtake the Karori tunnel. Great use of colours and perspective and her picture is eye catching.”
Finalists
Hillcrest Normal School
Winner
Junelle, 11 – Hillcrest Normal School
Scott Pritchard – CEO, Precinct Properties
“I was so impressed by the detail in Junelle’s entry and the texture and the style of drawing which was very detailed and very easily transported me to the feeling of being in the botanical gardens. The botanic gardens are a very special sport and very much a highlight of Hamilton and I think this drawing promotes the feeling of tranquility which you get when you wander through the gardens.”
Finalists
Karori Normal School
Winner
Isla, 9 – Karori Normal School
Chris Wang – Urban Designer at Christchurch City Council
“Isla used the shape of the canvas well and conveyed a strong sense of identity for both the place and the city. The artwork tastefully incorporates elements that are special to the local community, such as the tunnel.”
Finalists
Ao Tawhiti
Winner
Milo, 11 – Ao Tawhiti
Cameron Ward – Senior School Travel Coordinator, Hamilton City Council
“Milo’s artwork captures the beautiful rolling hills of Lyttleton, a beautiful landscape where rolling hills meet the ocean… a great location for a Sunday drive or for those wanting a challenge a walk or bike. Milo’s artwork captures a special place for many in Christchurch where many have fond memories.”
Finalists
Thank you to everyone who took part in Art in the Hood 2025!
oOh! Community believe that Out of Home is so much more than an advertising channel. We play an integral role in the communities in which we operate by creating engaging environments that aim to inform, entertain and inspire citizens; and we contribute to the funding of important public infrastructure. This is reflected in our company purpose of making public spaces better.
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