In an important call to harness the profound impact of art in raising environmental consciousness, art enthusiasts and nature advocates alike are being challenged to wield their creative prowess in a creative initiative.

With only two days to go until entries close and voting gets fully underway, all it takes is a little imagination to capture the importance of protecting our native trees against myrtle rust, by creating a piece of artwork.

“Let your imagination soar as you depict the potential consequences of neglecting this urgent issue,” says a Protectors of Papatūānuku creative challenge spokesperson.

“Showcase the beauty, resilience, and significance of myrtle family plants, while emphasizing the necessity of taking action to combat myrtle rust's spread.”

The creative challenge, organised by Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital closes on July 28.

Entries can be using pens, pencils, paints or anything the artist wants to use, as long as it can be scanned and saved as a PDF of JPEG. The submissions can be uploaded to www.creativechallenge.co.nz and then voting begins.

By sharing your artwork with friends and family, you not only get them to vote for you, but you also help raise awareness about myrtle rust.

An entry to the challenge by Saskia Henderson. Photo: TMBC.

“Not only will you have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes from our $2,000 prize pool, but your artwork could also be displayed on billboards throughout the region, spreading your message and artisitc talent far and wide.”

Prizes included having your art displayed on a billboard, Prezzie cards, mini putt, Ten Pin Tauranga and Event Cinema vouchers.

Ideas for artwork can be sparked by answering the following questions:

What would happen if we don't protect our native plants from myrtle rust?

How should we protect our region from myrtle rust (show us how)?

Why we need to be the protectors of Papatūānuku?

Myrtle rust is a type of fungal disease that affects plants in the myrtle family. These plants include NZ’s native pohutukawa, Manuka, rata, and some common ornamental garden plants like bottlebrush and lilly pilly.

The spores of myrtle rust are tiny and can travel through the air, making it easy for the disease to spread from one plant to another. They can also be carried on the wind, insects, birds, or even on people’s clothing and gardening tools.

What does myrtle rust do?

When a plant gets infected with myrtle rust, it can show some signs of being sick. One of the most noticeable signs is the appearance of orange or yellow powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and even flowers.

These spots are where the fungal spores are growing. The infected leaves may become twisted, discoloured, or start to die. If not treated, the disease can weaken the plants and even lead to their death.

Plants in the myrtle family, are not only beautiful but also provide essential habitats for many creatures and are an important part of our unique environment.

“Your mission is to create a captivating piece of artwork that powerfully captures the importance of protecting our native flora against myrtle rust. Join us in this creative challenge to raise awareness and make a difference. Together, let's protect, create, and win!

To enter go to www.creativechallenge.co.nz To vote for your favourite entry click here  Entries close on July 28.