Oscar winner Richard Taylor will once again lead the judging panel for the NZ Body Art Awards. The Weta Workshop special effects master remains a stalwart supporter of the event, for which he has been the lead judge since the inaugural 2006 show.

Richard Taylor says the competition promotes make-up artists from around New Zealand, enabling them to showcase their talent and assisting in their endeavours to succeed in the industry.

The NZ Body Art Awards returns for its third year with the theme "jungle" at The North Shore Events Centre on June 14.Oscar winner Richard Taylor will once again lead the judging panel for the NZ Body Art Awards. The Weta Workshop special effects master remains a stalwart supporter of the event, for which he has been the lead judge since the inaugural 2006 show.

Richard Taylor says the competition promotes make-up artists from around New Zealand, enabling them to showcase their talent and assisting in their endeavours to succeed in the industry.

The NZ Body Art Awards returns for its third year with the theme "jungle" at The North Shore Events Centre on June 14."Weta Workshop is a great supporter of the NZ Body Art Awards and further endorses its support by creating a collection of prestigious awards to be offered on the night," says Richard Taylor.

"We look forward to seeing the NZ Body Art Awards continue to grow into a truly international event that will bring worldwide focus on the artists and practitioners working in this most unique medium."

Judges joining Richard Taylor will be Weta Workshop make-up supervisor Frances Richardson, actor Lawrence Makoare, contemporary Maori carver O'Dell Toi, Elizabeth Osborn from TopMark Products and Minifies Makeup founder David Minifie.

Two other special guest judges, including an international judge, will be announced shortly.

Contestants from across the country are already secretively planning their creations for what is set to be another closely fought battle for body art supremacy.

Audience members are encouraged to get into the jungle fever also - spot prizes for the best dressed audience member this year include a one week road trip in a KEA Motorhome.

Body Art Awards press release

About The New Zealand Body Art Awards

In 2006 the NZ Body Arts Awards brought to life the vision of Mary (Mem) Bourke - an award winning body artist and passionate champion of body artists throughout New Zealand.

In its third year in 2008, the event is being revved up by an amplified management team of experienced and passionate industry professionals, working together to produce a superior event in the New Zealand calendar.

The NZ Body Art Awards has been member of the World Association of Body Painting since 2005: www.wbpa.info or www.bodypainting-festival.com

04/04/08