Congratulations to Westlake Girls’ students Megan Fang and Xiaoxian Gao, who have placed 1st and 2nd respectively in the 2025 NZ Secondary Schools Art & Design Competition. Chosen from over 80 entries nationwide, their artwork was recognised for its creativity, execution, and thoughtful interpretation of the theme Threads of Connection. Megan and Xiaoxian receive Gordon Harris gift cards and are featured on the NZSSAC website.
Megan said the following:
I became involved in this competition after my art tutor recommended that I participate. I dedicated a great deal of thought and effort to interpreting the theme of the competition, “Threads of Connection,” through my work. I believe I successfully conveyed the theme by exploring the intricate ways in which people, emotions, and experiences are interwoven.
When I received the email announcing that I had won, I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. I literally jumped out of my seat in joy, feeling deeply honoured that my work had been recognised among so many talented participants. This achievement has been incredibly motivating for me, and it has strengthened my passion for creating meaningful art that speaks to universal human experiences.