Old is the New Black is a photography competition designed to break down the walls of ageism, tearing down stereotypes and shining a spotlight on Tauranga’s senior stars in a fabulously stylish way.

With a photography exhibition planned for downtown Tauranga in October, people will be able to see the freedom, joy, wisdom, and creative expression that accompany aging, rather than focusing entirely on the decline often associated with aging.

It’s about kicking ageism to the kerb.

“Old is the New Black has been a really exciting project for The Incubator to be involved with,” said The Incubator director Simone Anderson.

She says they are partnering with Tauranga City Council to help facilitate the Young at Heart Festival, a weeklong programme of events and activities for all ages, “but with a focus on the older person in our community”.

“The Incubator thought a visual representation of this would speak volumes.”

As part of the programme, they created a photograph competition with the older person at the heart. 

“The team came up with six categories, all kicking ageism to the kerb, and visually depicting our wonderful older community in fun, vibrant ways,” said Anderson. 

“They went to the community and got 108 entries, and next the all-important judging.” 

The three judges are Tauranga city councillor Rod Taylor, Kale Print brand manager Tessa Lawrence, and Studio 59’s Tracy Stamatakos.

“All three brought with them a different lens for this competition,” said Anderson.

“Tracy with her over 30 years in the photographic sector, Tessa as a graphic designer and in the printing industry, and Rod for his eye and empathy and long business career.”

The three judges of 'Age is the New Black' photography competition are Tauranga city councillor Rod Taylor, Kale Print brand manager Tessa Lawrence, and Studio 59′s Tracy Stamatakos. Photo: Supplied.

Simone said all three judges agreed that the standard was high.

“Maybe not so technically excellent in some cases, but all responded to the captivation, first impressions, creativity, emotive connection, and technical ability. 

“All of the entries had connected – with love – with their subject, who all had to be over the age of 65, had to tell a story, and you certainly feel that when looking at the images.”

“It was a pleasure to be invited to judge this celebration of our community, coming together to capture the hearts and souls of some fantastic seniors through the eyes of their admirers,” said Stamatakos.

“Whether recognised for their voluntary work or simply living their best lives, we truly have some vibrant individuals among us who have proved that age is just a number.”

“It was an absolute joy being involved in the judging,” said Lawrence.

“The warmth and appreciation for our seniors coming through the entries made for quite an emotional experience.”

Lawrence said there were so many outstanding submissions, creating lively debate amongst the judging team. 

“Thanks to Tauranga City council and The Incubator team for bringing this idea to life,” said Lawrence.

“What a fabulous way to celebrate and illuminate our senior community who are out there thriving!  I’m excited to see the winning submissions on display for the public, and to celebrate our winners.”

The six categories for Age is the New Black, are:

Vibrant Attire:  Capturing the diversity of rich cultural attire, snazzy flamboyance or just way out!

Sporty Spice: Exhibiting a senior citizen busting a move or being active doing what they do keeping fit or doing their mahi.

Volunteers: Sponsored by Acorn Foundation: Capture our golden heroes flaunting their volunteer mojo from sunny beaches to lively events.

Our Grandies: The snapper must be a youngster under 14 years old, capturing the essence of an elderly individual. This could be your Koro, Nana or some cool older person you admire.​

Our Whānau: Displaying an older person/s in a classic family scene or in a cultural environment​​.

Just My Favourite:  An epic shot of a respected senior superstar.

The winning photographs will be exhibited along Tauranga’s waterfront – The Strand, from October 1-20.  Photo: Supplied.

The Old is the New Black exhibition will be showcased along Tauranga’s waterfront – The Strand, during the Young at Heart Festival celebrating our groovy older people.

The competition closed on August 31, with the official prizegiving taking place at 6pm on Monday, September 30.

The Old is the New Black exhibition will be on show on The Strand, Tauranga from October 1-20, 2024.