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A drive to Aoraki
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New Zealanders are spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning landscapes and unbeatable views. So when eye health charity Macular Degeneration New Zealand ran a photography competition to uncover the most beautiful view in the country, the entries flooded in.
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Moody days at Milford Sound
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All entries were shortlisted by the judging panel, which included actress and TV presenter Shavaughn Ruakere, landscape photographer Rach Stewart, and nutritionist Claire Turnbull, all of whom have a close family member that suffers from vision loss caused by macular degeneration. The shortlisted entries were put to the public vote via a representative sample of 1000 New Zealanders to choose their favourite views.
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Pouakai Tarns, Taranaki
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“We were blown away by the incredible entries we received,” says Shavaughn. “The competition has served as a timely reminder of just how beautiful our own backyard is, and the breadth of entries featuring mountains, beaches and native bush show what a plethora of treasures we have to enjoy right here on our doorstep. Being able to see and appreciate these stunning vistas is something we shouldn’t take for granted, so taking care of our eye health is really important.”
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Lake Poaka, Mackenzie Basin
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The competition forms part of a campaign by the charity to highlight what New Zealanders risk losing if they don’t take their eye health seriously. A simple test, available via the MDNZ website and your optometrist, can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness. Those aged over 50 are most at risk, with one in seven affected, rising to a quarter of people over the age of 80.
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Hooker Lake, Mt Cook National Park
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The Top 10 Most Beautiful New Zealand Views
Hooker Lake, Mount Cook National Park, Canterbury
Pouakai Tarns, Mount Egmont National Park, Taranaki
Riwaka Resurgence, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson
Lake Poaka, Mackenzie Basin, Canterbury
New Brighton Pier, Christchurch, Canterbury
Aoraki/ Mount Cook, Canterbury
Huka Falls, Taupo, Waikato
Mount Kakaramea/Rainbow Mountain, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Milford Sound, Southland
Lake Rotoiti by St Arnaud in the South Island
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Riwaka resurgence, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson
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About Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is an age-related eye disease affecting one person in seven over the age of 50, with vision deteriorating to one in four over 80 who have their quality of life affected by Macular Degeneration. Currently 51 percent of people over 50 know about this disease, which means 49 percent do not. This is a problem as early detection and treatment can reduce avoidable vision loss for the 1,500,000 New Zealanders at risk.
The primary risk factor is age, although there is a 50 percent chance of having the genetic disposition if a family member has it, and smokers have four times the risk and may get it 10 years earlier than non-smokers. A healthy lifestyle with a diet that is rich in leafy green vegetables, fruit, omega 3 and other nutrients support good macular health. Find out more about the signs to look out for and how to lower your risk of macular degeneration at mdnz.org.nz.
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Mt Taranaki
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Huka Falls, Taupo
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