OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW ZEALAND STEEL GALLERY AT FRANKLIN: THE CENTRE
Friday 18th July was the official opening of the New Zealand Steel Gallery at Franklin: The Centre and it was also New Zealand Steel's 43rd birthday. New Zealand Steel makes a significant contribution to Franklin. To mark this occasion there is an auction of photographic works celebrating the beauty of steel printed on steel, by award winning photographer, Aliah Jan. Proceeds will go to 3 worthy charities: Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Franklin District Fire Service & St Johns Ambulance
Background:
New Zealand Steel is major sponsor of Franklin: The Centre, Pukekohe's award winning building that houses the district's Library, Art & Cultural Centre, and I-site. Whilst the building was officially opened last year, the art gallery, known as the New Zealand Steel Gallery, is to be officially opened on 18th July. It is also New Zealand Steel's 43rd birthday and to mark these occasions the Franklin Arts and Cultural Trust is organising a major photographic exhibition and auction on opening night. The auction will be conducted by Jim and Barbara Peacocks of Peacocks Auctioneers and Valuers. Information will be updated onto www.peacocksauctions.co.nz
The celebrations will be based around an auction of innovative photographic works by award winning photographer, Aliah Jan. The exhibition, titled 'Steel Shots', features stunning images printed onto steel. The collection captures the beauty of steel with all the images taken at the steel mill. Proceeds from the auction will go to 3 very worthy charities: Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Franklin District St Johns Ambulance & Fire Services.
About the Photographer
Aliah Jan is General Manager of Franklin Arts & Cultural Trust. She is a keen photographer and artist. She has won numerous awards nationally and internationally. Jan is an Associate of the Photographic Society of New Zealand (PSNZ), an appointed judge for PSNZ and currently serves as a Councillor on the PSNZ Committee.
About NZ Steel
New Zealand Steel was incorporated in 1965 to make high quality steel from the black ironsand inland deposits of the West Coast of New Zealand.
New Zealand Steel operates a fully integrated steel mill at Glenbrook producing a large range of steel products from local materials for use in the building, construction, manufacturing and agricultural industries.
New Zealand Steel is the single largest employment site in New Zealand with more than 1300 employees and around 200 semi-permanent contractors and contributes 1 percent of New Zealand's GDP.
Community Support
New Zealand Steel has been part of the Franklin region for more than 40 years, and over this time has contributed to the community through sponsorships and donations of many projects.
Each year New Zealand Steel supports a variety of community programs; working closely with community groups focusing on youth, enhancing community facilities, supporting emergency services, safety and educational initiatives.