Celebrating creativity and community through this year’s Southland Christmas Competition
A message from Richard Kyte, Project Lead.
As we head towards the end of another year, it’s been fantastic to see Southland communities once again embrace the spirit of our Christmas Competition. What started as a lighthearted idea has become a real highlight on the calendar, bringing catchment groups, farms, families and businesses together in a way that reflects what makes this region so special.
The creativity, humour and effort that went into this year’s entries were outstanding. From clever bale displays to festive sheds and characters with a strong rural twist, each entry showed commitment, personality and a great sense of fun. Thank you to everyone who took the time to get involved and help spread Christmas cheer right across Southland, and huge congratulations to this year’s winners!
Southland Christmas Competition 2025: Ending the Year on a Festive Note
This year’s competition was open to anyone across Southland, whether entering as a catchment group, business, farm, family or individual. We were thrilled with the number and quality of entries received, making judging no easy task.
A big thank you to the Southland Business Chamber for generously giving their time to judge this year’s competition. The standard was incredibly high, and every entry brought something unique to the table.
And the winners are…
🥇 1st Place – Hedgehope Grazing Ltd
Santa needed some help with his sleigh
Prize: Milford Sound Day Cruise, thanks to RealNZ
🥈 2nd Place – Glenkylie Dairy Farm
Santa, the morning after
Prize: One night at The Langlands with dinner for two, thanks to ILT
🥉 3rd Place – Brok Family
Gingy’s House
Prize: $500 Bridgestone tyre voucher
🌟 Honourable Mentions
The White Family:
The Kiwi version – Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus, One Wise Woman, a Shepherd and his dog
Southern Dairy Hub:
Christmas Monstrosity
Catchment Group Prize
🏆 BBQ Feast for up to 40 people
Awarded to: Otama Catchment Group
Thanks to The Grocer for supporting this prize and recognising the catchment group with the most entries.
Kids Christmas Colouring Competition
We also loved seeing the creativity from our younger Southlanders in this year’s colouring competition.
🏆 7 and Under – Harley Wineera
Prize: Jump N Fun activity vouchers
🏆 8 and Over – Lexi Frew
Prize: Southland Monopoly set, thanks to Southland Business Chamber
A huge thanks to our sponsors
This competition wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you to:
Your support helps make this a fun, inclusive event for the whole region.
Merry Christmas from Thriving Southland
To everyone across Southland and all our catchment groups, thank you for your ongoing support, involvement and commitment throughout the year. We hope you enjoy a well-earned break over the festive season, spend time with family and friends, and head into the New Year refreshed and ready for what’s ahead.
PS: Before you switch off for the holidays, a quick heads-up that our Everything to Gain event has a new date. It’ll now be held on Wednesday 6 May 2026. We’ll share more details in the new year.
From all of us at Thriving Southland, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year
Ngā mihi, Richard Kyte
(Thriving Southland Project Lead)
and the Thriving Southland Team
