11th September 2017 The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications, Mr Paula Ma’u this morning presented prizes and certificates to the winners of the R2R/Environment Photo Competition here at the Environment Department conference room on Vuna Road in Nuku’alofa.
The winners were selected from entries submitted through the R2R Facebook Page during the 2017 Environment Week celebrations and through the month of June to July.
Mr Ma’u thanked the winners and all participants, adding that their participation made the competition a success.
He said taking photos was not an easy thing, as alot of thinking goes into taking the ‘best shot’.
“We thank all of you who participated and the winners. This is not an easy job but in fact something that we need to develop over time, taking good photos that can tell the stories and that can be used,” Mr Ma’u said.
“You have all done very well and congratulations.”
The competition was opened to all but the photos had to be taken in Tonga and used the theme “Connecting to the Environment”.
A panel of four judges selected the winners from 45 photos shortlisted.
The WINNER was Ms Siniva Finauvala Manu, who took home a Gift Voucher of $500. She said working with her family on their own gardens and nursery was always enjoyable.
“We do that as a family,” she said.
Her winning entry showed her immediate and extended family, who have worked together over the years in “connecting to the environment and nature”.
Runner-up was Ms Baba Bronwyn Amanaki, who received a $300 Gift Voucher. Ms Baba’s entry was of her niece working on their family’s vegetable garden.
“I did not know that the photo would be a winner and we entered it because we thought it was a good one relating to the theme,” she said.
Third place getter was Mouianga H Vailea, who received a Gift Voucher of $200. The hospitality student at the Tonga Institute of Higher Education (TIHE) said she was surprised but happy to have been selected as a winner.
Her photos showed people working on their garden.
“I am happy the photo was one of the winners selected and I thank the R2R program for giving us the chance to showcase our work,” she said.
All the Gift Vouchers can be tendered at AA Retail in Pahu, where the winners can select their own prizes.
Acting Director of Environment Ms Mafile’o Ongosia Masi, R2R Program Manager Ms Ta’hirih Fifita Hokafonu, Environment HR Manager Siosiua Latuand staff of the Environment Department attended the presentation event.
The R2R Program thanks all the participants and congratulates the winners.Photos submitted will be used in the R2R/Environment Calendar for 2018.
ENDS
Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication