Beachlands School wins Melanoma New Zealand’s 2024 Get Spotted Colouring Competition
Auckland’s Beachlands School was the winner of the latest Get Spotted Colouring Competition with national charity Melanoma New Zealand. The Get Spotted campaign aims to raise awareness about sun safety and the importance of creating shaded spaces for tamariki across Aotearoa. The installation of the competition’s prize, a new shade sail, recently took place at Beachlands School.
The winning entry came from 8-year-old Lucy. Whose thoughtful and creative artwork impressed the judges with its attention to detail, excellent shading, and a well-articulated message about sun safety. As a result, Lidgard Shades has just finished installing a new shade sail over the school’s sandpit.
Most people don’t realise that New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world (per capita). Exposure to ultra violet radiation (UVR) during the first 18 years of life is the most critical for cancer-causing skin damage. That’s why Lidgard Shades and Melanoma New Zealand have collaborated to promote the benefits of sun safety in schools.
A Partnership with Purpose
Every year, the Melanoma New Zealand Colouring Competition also known as the Get Spotted campaign encourages children across the country to express their creativity while learning essential sun safety tips. In 2024, the campaign received an overwhelming 1,669 entries from schools and early learning centres across 13 regions.
“We’re proud to be part of this initiative and of the impact it has on educating and safeguarding our tamariki.” said Adam Wilson, Director of Lidgard Shades. “Melanoma is almost entirely preventable, and teaching kids about sun protection from an early age can make a real difference. We’re thrilled to support this.”
Lidgard Shades has been supporting the Get Spotted campaign for several years, offering shade solutions as prizes to reinforce the importance of sun-smart environments. Their work with schools and Melanoma New Zealand helps embed long-term habits and build awareness at a formative age.
Despite growing awareness, many schools across the country still lack the infrastructure to shield students from the sun. Shade sails and permanent canopies offer a practical and effective way to create shaded outdoor areas for kids to enjoy.
That’s why initiatives like the Get Spotted Colouring Competition are so valuable. They don’t just raise awareness, they deliver real, lasting benefits to participating schools.
NZ Manufactured Shade Solutions, Designed for NZ Conditions
Lidgard Shades specialises in designing, manufacturing, and installing custom shade solutions specifically suited to the New Zealand climate. Our locally made products are trusted by schools, early childhood centres, and commercial spaces across the country.
We have a deep understanding of the shade requirements of schools, early childhood centres, and other educational facilities. We design and manufacture a wide range of shade solutions such as shade sails, fixed canopies, barrel canopies and outdoor blinds to create safe, sun-smart environments where students can learn and play comfortably.
Whether you need to shade a playground, protect outdoor walkways, or create sheltered areas for group activities, Lidgard Shades are here to help. Get in contact today for a free quote and let’s protect our tamariki together.